CVE-2019-5070 in LMS
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable SQL injection vulnerability exists in the unauthenticated portion of eFront LMS, versions v5.2.12 and earlier. Specially crafted web request to login page can cause SQL injections, resulting in data compromise. An attacker can use a browser to trigger these vulnerabilities, and no special tools are required.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-5070 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the eFront Learning Management System, specifically affecting versions through v5.2.12. This vulnerability resides in the unauthenticated portion of the application, making it particularly dangerous as it does not require prior authentication to exploit. The flaw manifests when specially crafted web requests are sent to the login page, which serves as the primary attack vector for this vulnerability. The security implications are severe because the application fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into SQL queries, creating an environment where malicious actors can manipulate database operations through crafted input parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of input fields on the login page, where the application processes user credentials without adequate validation or sanitization. When an attacker submits malicious input, the application incorporates this data directly into SQL queries without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms. This allows for the injection of arbitrary SQL commands that can be executed within the context of the database connection. The vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, where insufficient input validation permits attackers to manipulate database queries through malicious input. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that this occurs in an unauthenticated section, meaning that any user with access to the application's web interface can attempt exploitation without needing valid credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise and potential system takeover. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and potentially administrative access details. The implications for organizations using eFront LMS are particularly concerning given that this vulnerability can be exploited using only a standard web browser, eliminating the need for specialized attack tools. This accessibility means that even less sophisticated attackers can potentially compromise systems, making the impact more widespread and severe. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk to data integrity and confidentiality, as attackers can modify database content, delete records, or execute unauthorized operations. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 which involves data from information repositories, where attackers can extract data through SQL injection attacks. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues and potential legal consequences if sensitive data is compromised through this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-5070 should prioritize immediate patching of affected eFront LMS versions to v5.2.13 or later, where the SQL injection vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure to the vulnerable application. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential injection points and other vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring can provide additional layers of protection. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that patches do not introduce new issues while maintaining application functionality. Organizations should also conduct security awareness training for administrators to recognize potential exploitation attempts and maintain updated vulnerability management processes to quickly address similar threats. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly in authentication components where attackers can leverage the least privilege principle to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.