CVE-2019-7548 in SQLAlchemy
Summary
by MITRE
SQLAlchemy 1.2.17 has SQL Injection when the group_by parameter can be controlled.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2023
SQLAlchemy version 1.2.17 contains a critical SQL injection vulnerability that arises when the group_by parameter is externally controllable, creating a significant security risk for applications that utilize this database abstraction layer. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, where malicious input can be injected into SQL queries through improperly sanitized user-controlled parameters. The flaw specifically manifests when applications pass user-supplied data directly into the group_by clause of SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization, allowing attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from SQLAlchemy's handling of the group_by parameter in query construction, where the library fails to properly escape or validate input before incorporating it into the generated SQL statements. When an attacker can control the group_by parameter, they can inject malicious SQL fragments that execute arbitrary database commands, potentially leading to data exfiltration, privilege escalation, or complete database compromise. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the database abstraction layer, meaning that applications using SQLAlchemy may be vulnerable even if they implement proper input validation at higher application levels.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can enable attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data modification, deletion, or unauthorized access to sensitive information. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to bypass authentication mechanisms, escalate privileges, or extract confidential data from databases that are otherwise protected by application-level controls. The attack surface is broad since many web applications utilize group_by functionality for data aggregation and reporting purposes, making this vulnerability particularly prevalent across different application types and industries. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers may use this vulnerability to map database structures and identify other potential attack vectors.
Organizations should immediately update to SQLAlchemy version 1.2.18 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and parameterization techniques for all user-controlled parameters, including group_by clauses, can serve as effective mitigations. Security teams should conduct thorough code reviews to identify all instances where group_by parameters are constructed from external input, and implement proper sanitization procedures. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation at all levels of application development, particularly when working with database abstraction layers that handle complex query construction. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts, as the malicious SQL injection patterns may be detectable through anomalous database query behavior.