CVE-2018-3754 in query-mysql
Summary
by MITRE
Node.js third-party module query-mysql versions 0.0.0, 0.0.1, and 0.0.2 are vulnerable to an SQL injection vulnerability due to lack of user input sanitization. This may allow an attacker to run arbitrary SQL queries when fetching data from database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3754 affects Node.js third-party modules specifically query-mysql versions 0.0.0, 0.0.1, and 0.0.2, representing a critical security flaw that exposes applications to unauthorized database access. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the module's implementation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through SQL injection techniques. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper escaping or parameterization, violating fundamental security principles for database interactions.
The technical flaw manifests when the query-mysql module processes user input for database queries, failing to properly sanitize or escape special characters that could alter the intended SQL command structure. This lack of input sanitization creates a direct attack vector where an attacker can inject malicious SQL code through carefully crafted input parameters. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, where improper input handling allows attackers to manipulate database queries. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data, modifying database contents, or even escalating privileges within the database environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of database operations. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform unauthorized data retrieval, data modification, or even complete database destruction depending on their privileges and the nature of the database system. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Node.js applications are widely deployed across web platforms and backend services, making this vulnerability potentially exploitable across numerous production environments. Organizations using affected versions of query-mysql modules face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential system compromise that could lead to broader network infiltration. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting database communication channels through injection attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3754 require immediate action to upgrade to patched versions of the query-mysql module or implement compensating controls. Organizations should prioritize updating their Node.js applications to versions that utilize properly sanitized database query construction methods, typically through parameterized queries or prepared statements. Security teams must also implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers of their applications, ensuring that all user-supplied data undergoes proper sanitization before database interaction. Additionally, database access controls should be reviewed and hardened to limit the privileges of application accounts, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that similar vulnerabilities do not exist in other third-party modules within the application stack. The remediation process should also include thorough code reviews and security testing to prevent recurrence of similar input validation issues in future development cycles.