CVE-2018-15147 in OpenEMR
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in interface/forms_admin/forms_admin.php from library/registry.inc in versions of OpenEMR before 5.0.1.4 allows a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the 'id' parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2023
The CVE-2018-15147 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the OpenEMR medical records system that affects versions prior to 5.0.1.4. This vulnerability exists within the forms_admin.php interface file located in the library/registry.inc component of the application's codebase. The flaw specifically targets the 'id' parameter which is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors. As an authenticated attacker, the threat actor must first establish valid credentials within the system to leverage this vulnerability, making it less immediately accessible than unauthenticated flaws but still highly dangerous given the privileged access required.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the 'id' parameter in the forms_admin.php interface, which allows an attacker to inject malicious SQL commands into the database query execution process. When the application processes the user-supplied 'id' value, it directly incorporates it into SQL statements without proper parameterization or input filtering mechanisms. This design flaw enables an attacker to construct SQL injection payloads that can manipulate the underlying database structure, potentially leading to data extraction, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications and represents a classic example of improper input validation that violates fundamental security principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive patient information, manipulate medical records, and potentially disrupt healthcare operations. Healthcare organizations relying on OpenEMR systems face significant risks including compliance violations under HIPAA regulations, data breaches exposing confidential patient information, and potential operational disruptions that could affect patient care. The authenticated nature of the attack means that attackers typically need to obtain legitimate user credentials through social engineering, credential theft, or other means, but once inside the system they can leverage this vulnerability to escalate their privileges and access additional system components. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1046 which addresses network service scanning, as attackers may use this flaw to move laterally within the network and expand their access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-15147 primarily focus on immediate remediation through the application of the vendor-provided patch that updates the OpenEMR software to version 5.0.1.4 or later. Organizations should also implement additional security controls including input validation at all application interfaces, parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection, and regular security assessments of web applications. The implementation of web application firewalls and database activity monitoring can provide additional layers of protection, while strict access controls and credential management practices help reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify similar flaws in other application components and ensure that all database interactions properly utilize prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent similar injection attacks from occurring in other parts of the healthcare information system.