CVE-2018-4056 in coTURN
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable SQL injection vulnerability exists in the administrator web portal function of coTURN prior to version 4.5.0.9. A login message with a specially crafted username can cause an SQL injection, resulting in authentication bypass, which could give access to the TURN server administrator web portal. An attacker can log in via the external interface of the TURN server to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2023
The CVE-2018-4056 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the coTURN TURN server administration portal, affecting versions prior to 4.5.0.9. This vulnerability specifically targets the authentication mechanism of the web-based administrative interface, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to sensitive server management functions. The flaw manifests when the system processes login credentials through a username parameter that has been maliciously crafted to exploit database query structures. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in application security, where improper input validation allows attackers to manipulate database queries through malicious input.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the external interface of the TURN server, where an attacker can submit a specially crafted username during the authentication process. When the system processes this input without proper sanitization or parameterization, the malicious payload becomes embedded within the SQL query structure, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate the database query execution flow. The vulnerability specifically affects the administrator web portal functionality, meaning that successful exploitation could grant full administrative privileges to the TURN server, including access to configuration settings, user management, and potentially sensitive session data. This represents a direct bypass of authentication mechanisms, allowing unauthorized access to server management functions that should be restricted to legitimate administrators.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of the TURN server infrastructure. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain complete administrative control over the TURN server, potentially enabling them to modify server configurations, add or remove users, access intercepted communication data, and manipulate the server's functionality. The implications are particularly severe in environments where TURN servers are used for voice and video communication, as these systems often handle sensitive real-time data that could be compromised. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and credential access, as the exploitation effectively allows attackers to assume administrative roles within the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-4056 should prioritize immediate patching of affected coTURN installations to version 4.5.0.9 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations should also implement additional security controls including network segmentation to limit access to the TURN server's administrative interfaces, implementing strict access controls and monitoring for suspicious authentication attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and parameterized queries in preventing SQL injection attacks, making it essential for administrators to review and update their application security practices. Network-level protections such as intrusion detection systems and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense, while regular security audits should verify that authentication mechanisms properly sanitize all user inputs to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future versions or custom implementations of the TURN server functionality.