CVE-2017-5598 in healow@work
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in eClinicalWorks healow@work 8.0 build 8. This is a blind SQL injection within the EmployeePortalServlet, which can be exploited by un-authenticated users via an HTTP POST request and which can be used to dump database data out to a malicious server, using an out-of-band technique, such as select_loadfile(). The vulnerability affects the EmployeePortalServlet page and the following parameter: employer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5598 represents a critical blind sql injection flaw within the eClinicalWorks healow@work 8.0 software suite, specifically targeting the EmployeePortalServlet component. This security weakness exists at the application layer and manifests when the system processes HTTP POST requests containing maliciously crafted input data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows unauthenticated attackers to exploit the system without requiring valid credentials or prior access rights, making it highly dangerous in production environments where such applications are deployed. The affected parameter named "employer" serves as the primary attack vector through which malicious input can be injected into the database query execution path, bypassing normal authentication mechanisms that would typically protect such sensitive operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a blind sql injection pattern where the attacker cannot directly observe the database query results through traditional error messages or direct output mechanisms. Instead, the attacker must rely on out-of-band techniques to extract data from the database, specifically utilizing functions such as select_loadfile() to exfiltrate information to an external malicious server. This approach requires the database server to be configured with specific capabilities that allow loading files or executing external commands, which represents a significant escalation in attack complexity. The vulnerability operates at the application level rather than at the network or system level, making it particularly challenging to detect through traditional network-based security controls. The attack vector leverages the HTTP POST method, which means that the malicious payload is sent within the body of the HTTP request rather than in the URL, making it less visible to basic network monitoring tools and web application firewalls that might only inspect URL parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform comprehensive database enumeration and potentially gain access to sensitive patient information, employee records, and other confidential data stored within the eClinicalWorks system. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principles of data confidentiality and integrity as defined by the iso/iec 27001 standard, where unauthorized access to database systems constitutes a serious security breach. The out-of-band nature of the data extraction technique means that attackers can systematically harvest information without triggering traditional intrusion detection systems that rely on pattern matching within network traffic. The vulnerability affects the EmployeePortalServlet page, which suggests that it may be part of a broader authentication or user management system that could provide access to multiple sensitive data sources within the organization's healthcare information system. This represents a significant risk to healthcare organizations that must comply with regulations such as hipaa, where unauthorized access to patient data can result in severe legal and financial consequences.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks, which aligns with the defensive coding practices recommended by the owasp top ten project and the cwe-89 standard for sql injection vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious sql injection patterns, particularly those targeting specific servlet endpoints. The remediation process must include thorough code reviews and security testing of all application components that interact with database systems, ensuring that all user inputs are properly sanitized before being processed. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security teams should also establish monitoring procedures to detect unusual database activity patterns that might indicate data exfiltration attempts, as the out-of-band nature of the attack makes traditional network-based detection more challenging. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes, as it highlights how seemingly minor flaws in application code can lead to significant security breaches in healthcare environments where data protection is paramount.