CVE-2019-16404 in OpenEMR
Summary
by MITRE
Authenticated SQL Injection in interface/forms/eye_mag/js/eye_base.php in OpenEMR through 5.0.2 allows a user to extract arbitrary data from the openemr database via a non-parameterized INSERT INTO statement, as demonstrated by the providerID parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2019-16404 represents a critical authenticated SQL injection flaw discovered in the OpenEMR medical records system version 5.0.2 and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the eye_mag module's javascript component at the path interface/forms/eye_mag/js/eye_base.php, where a malicious authenticated user can exploit a non-parameterized database INSERT INTO statement to extract sensitive data from the underlying openemr database. The specific attack vector involves manipulation of the providerID parameter, which allows an attacker with valid credentials to bypass normal database security controls and execute unauthorized queries against the database backend.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, specifically manifesting as an authenticated variant that requires user authentication but eliminates the need for complex exploitation techniques. The flaw stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the javascript component that processes user-supplied data before constructing database queries. The non-parameterized nature of the INSERT INTO statement means that user input is directly concatenated into the SQL query structure without proper escaping or parameter binding, creating an exploitable condition that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for healthcare organizations relying on OpenEMR systems, as it enables authenticated attackers to extract sensitive patient medical information, provider details, and other confidential database records. An attacker with valid user credentials can potentially access complete patient histories, diagnosis information, treatment records, and administrative data that should remain protected under healthcare privacy regulations such as HIPAA. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire medical records system, potentially leading to data breaches, identity theft, and regulatory compliance violations that could result in substantial financial penalties and reputational damage.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the patched version of OpenEMR, applying the vendor-provided security patches, and implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase. Additional protective measures include enforcing least privilege access controls, implementing database query monitoring, and conducting regular security audits of web applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper database security practices and the need for comprehensive input validation across all application components, particularly in healthcare systems where data protection is paramount and regulatory compliance requirements are stringent.