CVE-2019-8979 in Koseven
Summary
by MITRE
Koseven through 3.3.9, and Kohana through 3.3.6, has SQL Injection when the order_by() parameter can be controlled.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8979 affects the Koseven and Kohana PHP frameworks, specifically versions through 3.3.9 and 3.3.6 respectively. This issue represents a critical security flaw that allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands through manipulation of the order_by() parameter in database queries. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the framework's query building mechanisms, creating an environment where malicious users can inject SQL code that gets executed by the database server.
The technical flaw manifests when applications using these frameworks construct database queries that incorporate user-supplied data into the order_by() method without proper sanitization. This parameter typically accepts strings that define the sorting order of database results, but when this input is not properly validated or escaped, it becomes a vector for SQL injection attacks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to manipulate the entire query structure, potentially enabling them to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even execute administrative commands on the underlying database system.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to applications relying on these frameworks, as it can lead to complete database compromise and potential system infiltration. The attack surface is broad since many web applications utilize sorting functionality, making the exploitation of this vulnerability relatively straightforward for threat actors. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation.
Organizations using affected versions of Koseven or Kohana should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of the frameworks, implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied data, and employing prepared statements or parameterized queries throughout the application. Additionally, web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious SQL patterns in query parameters. Regular security audits and code reviews should focus on identifying all instances where database queries are constructed with user input, ensuring that proper escaping or parameterization techniques are consistently applied across the entire application codebase to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in the future.