CVE-2018-3885 in ERPNext
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable SQL injection vulnerability exists in the authenticated part of ERPNext v10.1.6. Specially crafted web requests can cause SQL injections resulting in data compromise. The order_by parameter can be used to perform an SQL injection attack. An attacker can use a browser to trigger these vulnerabilities, and no special tools are required.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-3885 represents a critical security flaw in ERPNext version 10.1.6 that exposes the application to authenticated SQL injection attacks. This weakness specifically targets the application's order_by parameter within its web interface, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted HTTP requests. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only basic web browser capabilities to exploit, eliminating the need for specialized attack tools and making it accessible to threat actors with minimal technical expertise.
The technical implementation of this SQL injection flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the ERPNext application's authentication layer. When users submit requests containing malicious payloads through the order_by parameter, the application fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. This allows attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands that execute within the database context, potentially enabling unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically affecting the database interaction mechanisms that handle sorting operations for various ERP functions.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations using ERPNext v10.1.6 as it can lead to complete data compromise and potential system infiltration. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to sensitive business data including financial records, customer information, employee details, and proprietary business intelligence. The authenticated nature of the vulnerability means that attackers would need valid credentials to exploit it, but once compromised, the impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to full database access. This aligns with CWE-89 which classifies SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in application security that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through untrusted input.
The attack vector for CVE-2018-3885 is particularly dangerous due to its accessibility and the minimal tools required for exploitation. Attackers can leverage standard web browsers to craft malicious requests that manipulate the order_by parameter, making this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking low-effort, high-impact attacks. The vulnerability's presence in the authenticated portion of the application means that organizations must also focus on credential protection measures and access control enforcement. This scenario demonstrates how vulnerabilities in business applications can create cascading security risks that extend beyond simple data theft to potential system compromise and business disruption.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches for ERPNext v10.1.6, implementing proper input validation for all user-supplied parameters, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of their ERP systems. Network segmentation and monitoring for unusual database access patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and implementing proper parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in their application environments. This case study exemplifies how seemingly simple parameter handling can create critical security weaknesses that require comprehensive remediation approaches.