CVE-2019-20059 in YetiShare
Summary
by MITRE
payment_manage.ajax.php and various *_manage.ajax.php in MFScripts YetiShare 3.5.2 through 4.5.4 directly insert values from the sSortDir_0 parameter into a SQL string. This allows an attacker to inject their own SQL and manipulate the query, typically extracting data from the database, aka SQL Injection. NOTE: this issue exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2019-19732.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-20059 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within MFScripts YetiShare versions 3.5.2 through 4.5.4. This vulnerability specifically affects the payment_manage.ajax.php file and various *_manage.ajax.php scripts that handle sorting functionality through the sSortDir_0 parameter. The issue stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that directly incorporate user-supplied data into SQL query construction without adequate escaping or parameterization. This design flaw creates an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input values, potentially leading to unauthorized data access and system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it represents an incomplete remediation of a previously identified issue, CVE-2019-19732, suggesting that the initial fix was insufficient to address all potential injection vectors within the application's codebase. The sSortDir_0 parameter, which typically handles sorting direction in datatables, becomes a critical attack surface when user input is directly embedded into SQL constructs without proper sanitization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input for the sSortDir_0 parameter that contains SQL payload sequences designed to manipulate the underlying database query execution. This allows for unauthorized data extraction, modification, or deletion operations within the database. The injection occurs at the application layer where the framework directly concatenates user input into SQL strings rather than utilizing parameterized queries or prepared statements. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications, where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper validation or escaping. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it leverages legitimate application functionality, making detection more challenging while providing direct access to database operations through the web interface. The incomplete nature of the fix for CVE-2019-19732 indicates that developers may have addressed some injection points while overlooking others, particularly in the AJAX management interfaces that handle sorting operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to potentially enable full database compromise and unauthorized administrative access. Attackers can exploit the SQL injection to extract sensitive information including user credentials, payment details, and system configuration data. The vulnerability affects the entire YetiShare ecosystem within the specified version range, making all installations susceptible to exploitation. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting web application interfaces for data exfiltration and system control. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious requests that manipulate the sorting functionality to inject SQL commands, potentially allowing attackers to perform UNION-based attacks, error-based exploitation, or time-based blind SQL injection techniques. Organizations running affected versions face significant risk of data breaches and regulatory compliance violations due to the exposure of sensitive user and financial information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-20059 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query usage throughout the affected application components. The primary remediation involves replacing direct SQL string concatenation with prepared statements or parameterized queries that properly separate user input from SQL command structures. Security patches should be implemented immediately to upgrade to versions that properly address all injection vectors, particularly those related to AJAX management interfaces. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth by monitoring for suspicious SQL injection patterns in request parameters. Input validation should be strengthened to reject or sanitize any non-standard characters that might be used in SQL injection attempts, while implementing proper error handling that does not expose database structure information to users. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their YetiShare installations to identify any other potential injection points that may have been overlooked in the remediation process. Regular security testing including automated vulnerability scanning and manual penetration testing should be performed to ensure complete remediation of similar issues within the application codebase.