CVE-2018-6393 in FreePBX
Summary
by MITRE
FreePBX 10.13.66-32bit allows post-authentication SQL injection via the order parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2024
FreePBX 10.13.66-32bit contains a post-authentication sql injection vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6393 that represents a critical security flaw in the web-based administration interface. This vulnerability exists within the order parameter handling mechanism of the FreePBX system, which processes user input without proper sanitization or validation before incorporating it into database queries. The vulnerability requires an authenticated attacker with valid credentials to exploit, making it less accessible than pre-authentication flaws but still highly concerning given the sensitive nature of the data involved in telephony systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the FreePBX web application where the order parameter is directly used in sql query construction without appropriate escaping or parameterization. This allows an authenticated user to inject malicious sql code that can manipulate database operations, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability specifically affects the 32-bit version of FreePBX 10.13.66, indicating a platform-specific implementation issue that may be related to how the application handles data type conversions or memory management in the 32-bit architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges within the telephony system, potentially gaining access to call records, user credentials, configuration data, and other sensitive information stored in the FreePBX database. This represents a significant risk for organizations relying on FreePBX for their communication infrastructure, as the compromise of such systems can lead to service disruption, privacy violations, and potential regulatory compliance issues. The post-authentication requirement means that attackers must first obtain valid user credentials, but this is often achievable through social engineering, credential stuffing, or other common attack vectors.
Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided security patches and updates to address this vulnerability. Additional mitigations include implementing strict input validation controls, employing proper sql parameterization techniques, and conducting regular security assessments of the telephony infrastructure. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and may map to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. Network segmentation and monitoring of sql query patterns can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, while regular credential rotation and multi-factor authentication implementation can reduce the risk of unauthorized access to the system.