CVE-2019-15568 in idseq-web
Summary
by MITRE
idseq-web before 2019-07-01 in Infectious Disease Sequencing Platform IDseq allows SQL injection via tax_levels.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15568 affects the idseq-web component of the Infectious Disease Sequencing Platform IDseq, specifically versions prior to the 2019-07-01 release. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of the platform's data processing capabilities. The vulnerability manifests through the tax_levels parameter within the web interface, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive genomic sequencing data. The Infectious Disease Sequencing Platform IDseq is designed to process and analyze large-scale genomic data for disease surveillance and research purposes, making this vulnerability particularly concerning given the sensitive nature of the information involved.
The technical flaw constitutes a classic SQL injection vulnerability that occurs when user input from the tax_levels parameter is not properly sanitized or validated before being incorporated into database queries. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code that can manipulate the database structure, extract confidential information, or even modify existing records. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper parameter handling within the web application's backend processing logic. When the application processes the tax_levels parameter, it directly incorporates user-supplied values into SQL statements without adequate escaping or parameterization, creating a direct pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary database commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it threatens the entire integrity of the infectious disease surveillance system. Attackers could potentially access confidential genomic sequences, patient data, or research findings that are critical for public health monitoring and response efforts. The consequences could include data breaches that compromise ongoing research projects, disruption of disease surveillance capabilities, and potential exposure of sensitive health information. Given that IDseq is used for tracking infectious disease outbreaks and monitoring pathogen evolution, unauthorized access to this system could significantly impact public health responses and epidemiological research activities. The vulnerability also poses risks to the platform's availability and data consistency, as malicious SQL injection attempts could potentially cause database corruption or service interruptions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-15568 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected idseq-web component to version 2019-07-01 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application to prevent similar issues in the future. The implementation of web application firewalls and input sanitization measures can provide additional layers of protection. Security teams should conduct comprehensive code reviews focusing on database query handling and parameter validation processes. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-89 SQL Injection, which is classified as a high-risk vulnerability requiring immediate remediation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a database injection technique that could lead to privilege escalation and data exfiltration. Organizations should also establish monitoring procedures to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and implement regular security assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities in similar components or systems.