CVE-2019-15562 in GORM
Summary
by MITRE
GORM before 1.9.10 allows SQL injection via incomplete parentheses.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15562 affects the GORM object-relational mapping library for go programming language, specifically versions prior to 1.9.10. This issue represents a significant security flaw that enables attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands through incomplete parentheses handling within the library's query construction mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within GORM's SQL generation process, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through carefully crafted input parameters.
The technical flaw manifests when GORM processes user-supplied input within query building operations where parentheses are not properly closed or validated. This incomplete parentheses handling allows attackers to inject malicious SQL fragments that can bypass normal query validation mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically impacts applications that rely on dynamic query construction or user input processing within their GORM-based database interactions. Attackers can exploit this weakness by providing input that results in malformed SQL statements, potentially leading to unauthorized database access, data extraction, modification, or deletion operations. The issue falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, which is classified as a critical vulnerability in the Common Weakness Enumeration system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable complete database compromise and potentially lead to broader system infiltration. Organizations using vulnerable versions of GORM may experience unauthorized access to sensitive data, including personal information, financial records, or proprietary business data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in applications that handle authentication, user management, or transactional data, where the attacker could escalate privileges or manipulate critical business processes. Additionally, the attack surface is broad as GORM is widely used across enterprise applications, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations with extensive go-based systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-15562 primarily involve upgrading to GORM version 1.9.10 or later, which includes proper parentheses validation and input sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers of their applications, including application-level sanitization and parameterized query usage. Database access controls should be reviewed and strengthened, with principle of least privilege enforcement applied to database accounts used by applications. Regular security scanning and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential exploitation vectors, while implementing database activity monitoring to detect anomalous query patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 for application layer protocol tunneling and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, making it a critical target for defensive security measures. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database security solutions to provide additional protection layers against such SQL injection attacks.