CVE-2017-7351 in REDCap
Summary
by MITRE
A SQL injection issue exists in a file upload handler in REDCap 7.x before 7.0.11 via a trailing substring to SendITController:upload.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7351 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the REDCap research data management platform version 7.x prior to 7.0.11. This issue specifically affects the file upload handler component of the application, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized database commands through crafted input parameters. The vulnerability manifests in the SendITController:upload function where improper input validation allows attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious SQL code. The flaw arises from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data during the file upload process, particularly when handling trailing substrings that are processed without proper security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or parameterize user input before incorporating it into SQL query structures. When users upload files through the vulnerable interface, the system processes the file name or associated metadata without adequate validation mechanisms. This creates an environment where an attacker can craft malicious input that gets directly concatenated into database queries, bypassing normal security boundaries. The trailing substring handling in the SendITController:upload method becomes a critical attack vector because it processes file names or path components that may contain SQL injection payloads. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-89 SQL Injection, which is categorized under the broader weakness of insufficient input validation and inadequate output encoding. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it occurs in a file upload handler, which typically operates with elevated privileges and can potentially provide attackers with database-level access.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to manipulate or destroy research data, extract sensitive information, or escalate privileges within the REDCap environment. Research institutions using vulnerable versions of REDCap face significant risks since the platform typically handles highly sensitive medical and research data that requires strict confidentiality and integrity controls. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of data management systems, potentially compromising entire research projects and violating data protection regulations. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to clinical trial data, patient records, or other confidential research information stored within the REDCap database. The impact is particularly severe in healthcare and academic research environments where data breaches can result in regulatory penalties, legal consequences, and reputational damage. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: DNS where attackers may use database injection to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the research infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-7351 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected REDCap versions to 7.0.11 or later, which includes proper input validation and parameterized query implementations. Organizations should implement additional defensive measures such as input sanitization at multiple layers, including web application firewall rules that detect and block SQL injection patterns, and database access controls that limit the privileges of application accounts. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns or file upload activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive code reviews focusing on all database query handling functions, particularly those involving user-supplied data. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly in components handling file uploads and user data processing. Regular vulnerability assessments and security testing should be implemented to identify similar injection flaws in other application components, as this vulnerability represents a common pattern in web application security that affects numerous platforms and frameworks. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely remediation of similar vulnerabilities across their research infrastructure.