CVE-2019-15569 in ccd-data-store-api
Summary
by MITRE
HM Courts & Tribunals ccd-data-store-api before 2019-06-10 allows SQL injection, related to SearchQueryFactoryOperation.java and SortDirection.java.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15569 affects the HM Courts & Tribunals ccd-data-store-api component prior to version 2019-06-10, presenting a critical SQL injection flaw that compromises the integrity of the underlying database infrastructure. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the SearchQueryFactoryOperation.java and SortDirection.java files, which are integral components of the data storage and retrieval mechanisms. The flaw allows authenticated attackers with appropriate privileges to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through the improper handling of user-supplied data within the search and sorting functionalities of the application. When the system processes search queries or sorting operations, the input parameters are not adequately sanitized or parameterized before being incorporated into SQL statements. This creates an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary SQL code through the application interface, bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets the SearchQueryFactoryOperation.java component which constructs database queries based on search criteria, and SortDirection.java which manages sorting parameters, both of which are susceptible to manipulation through crafted input sequences.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it enables attackers to potentially escalate privileges and gain deeper access to the system's database layer. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from court records, modify case data, or even delete critical database entries, fundamentally undermining the integrity of the judicial data management system. The implications are particularly severe given that this affects a component used within the HM Courts & Tribunals environment, where data confidentiality and integrity are paramount for legal proceedings and case management. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple search and sorting operations means that any authenticated user with access to the application interface could potentially exploit this weakness.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-15569 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected ccd-data-store-api component to version 2019-06-10 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and parameterized query implementations. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers, ensuring that all user-supplied data undergoes rigorous sanitization before being processed by database operations. The implementation of proper parameterized queries and prepared statements in both SearchQueryFactoryOperation.java and SortDirection.java files will eliminate the vulnerability by separating SQL code from data. Additionally, access controls should be reviewed and strengthened to limit the scope of users who can perform search and sorting operations, while comprehensive logging and monitoring should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a significant risk under ATT&CK framework's T1071.004 technique for application layer protocol manipulation, potentially enabling adversaries to achieve persistent access and data exfiltration from sensitive judicial systems.