CVE-2018-20719 in Tiki
Summary
by MITRE
In Tiki before 17.2, the user task component is vulnerable to a SQL Injection via the tiki-user_tasks.php show_history parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-20719 affects the Tiki wiki platform version 17.1 and earlier, specifically targeting the user task component. This represents a critical security flaw that allows remote attackers to execute malicious SQL commands against the underlying database. The vulnerability manifests through the tiki-user_tasks.php script when processing the show_history parameter, which fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into database queries. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications. The attack vector enables an unauthorized user to manipulate database operations by injecting malicious SQL code through the vulnerable parameter, potentially leading to data theft, modification, or complete database compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameter sanitization within the Tiki application's user task management functionality. When the show_history parameter is processed, the application directly incorporates user-supplied data into SQL query construction without proper escaping or parameterization. This allows an attacker to craft malicious input that alters the intended query execution flow, potentially bypassing authentication mechanisms or extracting sensitive information from the database. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the database layer, meaning that successful exploitation could provide attackers with extensive access to user credentials, personal information, and other sensitive data stored within the Tiki system.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-20719 extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and gain deeper system access. An attacker could potentially manipulate user task records to modify permissions, create backdoor accounts, or execute arbitrary database commands that could lead to full system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1046, representing network service scanning that can be used to identify vulnerable systems. The risk is amplified in environments where Tiki is used for collaborative workspaces or contains sensitive organizational data, as the vulnerability could be exploited to gain unauthorized access to confidential information. Organizations running affected versions of Tiki face potential regulatory compliance violations and significant reputational damage if such an attack occurs.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve upgrading to Tiki version 17.2 or later, where the SQL injection flaw has been addressed through proper input validation and parameter sanitization. System administrators should implement immediate patch management procedures to update affected installations and conduct thorough security assessments of the application environment. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious SQL injection patterns, disabling unnecessary database user permissions, and establishing regular security audits of the Tiki installation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper database query construction, principles that align with OWASP Top Ten security practices and the defense-in-depth strategy recommended for protecting web applications against common attack vectors.