CVE-2019-15535 in Tasking Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Tasking Manager before 3.4.0 allows SQL Injection via custom SQL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15535 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Tasking Manager application prior to version 3.4.0. This vulnerability exposes the system to unauthorized database access and potential data compromise through maliciously crafted SQL commands. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle user-supplied data when constructing custom SQL queries. Attackers can exploit this weakness by injecting malicious SQL code through input fields or parameters that are subsequently processed without adequate security controls, allowing them to manipulate database operations and potentially extract, modify, or delete sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities. This weakness occurs when application code incorporates user input directly into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization techniques. The Tasking Manager's failure to implement robust input validation creates an attack surface where malicious actors can construct SQL commands that bypass normal database security measures. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects custom SQL functionality, suggesting that the application provides users with mechanisms to execute database queries beyond standard operations, thereby expanding the potential attack vectors.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing the Tasking Manager system. Successful exploitation could lead to complete database compromise, allowing attackers to access sensitive user information, project data, and potentially system credentials. The attack surface extends beyond simple data theft to include potential system escalation and persistence mechanisms. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, data breach notifications, and reputational damage if such vulnerabilities are exploited. The vulnerability affects the application's integrity and confidentiality, undermining the trust that users place in the system's security controls and potentially enabling further attacks against connected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-15535 should prioritize immediate remediation through the deployment of the patched Tasking Manager version 3.4.0 or later, which incorporates proper input validation and parameterized query execution. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures, including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in custom SQL execution paths. Network segmentation and database access controls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious SQL injection payloads before they reach the database layer.