CVE-2019-16694 in phpipam
Summary
by MITRE
phpIPAM 1.4 allows SQL injection via the app/admin/custom-fields/edit-result.php table parameter when action=add is used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-16694 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within phpIPAM version 1.4, a widely used IP address management solution that serves as a cornerstone for network infrastructure planning and administration. This vulnerability specifically targets the application's custom fields management functionality, where unauthorized users can manipulate database queries through the table parameter in the edit-result.php endpoint. The flaw manifests when the action parameter is set to add, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's parameter handling process, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL payloads that bypass normal security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the table parameter in the app/admin/custom-fields/edit-result.php script, where the application fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into database queries. When an attacker submits a crafted request with malicious input in the table parameter while setting action=add, the phpIPAM application processes this unvalidated input directly into SQL execution contexts. This design flaw places the entire database backend at risk, as the injected SQL commands can potentially retrieve, modify, or delete sensitive network configuration data, user credentials, and infrastructure planning information. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications where user input is improperly handled in database queries.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-16694 extends beyond simple data compromise, as it provides attackers with elevated privileges within the network management ecosystem. Network administrators who rely on phpIPAM for IP address tracking, subnet management, and infrastructure documentation face significant risks when this vulnerability is exploited, as the attacker could gain access to critical network planning data, potentially disrupting network operations and exposing sensitive infrastructure information. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to complete database compromise, allowing attackers to extract all IP address allocations, subnet configurations, and associated network details that phpIPAM maintains. This access could enable further attacks on network infrastructure, including the potential for lateral movement within the network environment, as the compromised data often includes information that facilitates deeper system penetration. The vulnerability's presence in the custom fields management module indicates that attackers could manipulate the application's configuration data, potentially leading to service disruption or unauthorized access to network resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-16694 should prioritize immediate application updates to version 1.4.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures, including parameterized queries and proper escaping of user input before database processing. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit administrative access to the phpIPAM application, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous database query patterns that might indicate SQL injection attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their IP management systems and ensure that all third-party applications are maintained with the latest security patches. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1071.005 for application layer protocol manipulation underscores the importance of implementing proper network monitoring and database activity logging to detect and respond to such exploitation attempts.