CVE-2019-9846 in RockOA
Summary
by MITRE
RockOA 1.8.7 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information because the webmain/webmainAction.php publictreestore method constructs a SQL WHERE clause unsafely by using the pidfields and idfields parameters, aka background SQL injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9846 affects RockOA version 1.8.7, a web-based office automation system that provides enterprise-level functionality for organizations. This security flaw represents a critical exposure that enables remote attackers to extract sensitive information from the underlying database system. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the webmain/webmainAction.php file, specifically within the publictreestore method that handles parameter processing for database queries. The system fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied parameters, creating an environment where malicious actors can manipulate database access through crafted input values.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the unsafe construction of SQL WHERE clauses through the pidfields and idfields parameters. When these parameters are processed by the publictreestore method, they are directly incorporated into SQL query strings without appropriate sanitization measures. This design flaw allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code that can be executed within the database context, effectively bypassing normal access controls and authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability is classified as a SQL injection attack pattern that aligns with common weaknesses described in CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates over remote network connections, requiring no local access or authentication credentials to exploit.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations using RockOA 1.8.7 systems. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive data including user credentials, personal information, business records, and potentially system configuration details. The exposure creates opportunities for data breaches, identity theft, and unauthorized access to confidential organizational information. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication. This characteristic significantly increases the attack surface and makes the system particularly vulnerable to automated exploitation attempts. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to potentially enable further compromise through privilege escalation or lateral movement within network environments where the system resides.
The security implications of CVE-2019-9846 align with tactics and techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the initial access and credential access domains. Attackers can use this vulnerability to establish persistent access to systems and extract valuable intelligence. The weakness enables adversaries to perform reconnaissance activities and gather information about system configurations, user accounts, and database structures. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and parameterized queries to prevent unsafe SQL construction. The recommended defense strategies include applying the vendor-provided patches, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting thorough security assessments of the affected system. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing database activity monitoring and access controls to detect and prevent unauthorized database access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and parameter handling in preventing SQL injection attacks, which remain one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security threats according to industry security standards and threat intelligence reports.