CVE-2020-21152 in SQL Injection vulnerability in inxedu
Summary
by MITRE • 01/20/2023
SQL Injection vulnerability in inxedu 2.0.6 allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands via the functionIds parameter to /saverolefunction.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2025
The SQL injection vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-21152 affects inxedu version 2.0.6 and represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands through improper input validation. This vulnerability specifically manifests in the /saverolefunction endpoint where the functionIds parameter fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The flaw stems from insufficient parameter validation and improper query construction techniques that allow malicious input to be interpreted as executable SQL code rather than mere data.
This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization or parameterization. The attack vector exploits the application's failure to implement proper input filtering mechanisms, allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that manipulate the underlying database operations. When an attacker submits specially crafted functionIds parameter values, the application processes these inputs directly within SQL queries, creating opportunities for data exfiltration, unauthorized data modification, or complete database compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass full system compromise and potential lateral movement within affected networks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, access sensitive user information, modify role-based access controls, and potentially gain persistence within the application environment. The vulnerability affects the authentication and authorization mechanisms of inxedu, which could result in unauthorized administrative access and complete system takeover. Organizations utilizing this software version face significant risk of data breaches and regulatory compliance violations due to the exposure of sensitive educational data and user credentials.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-21152 should prioritize immediate patching of the inxedu application to the latest secure version that addresses the SQL injection flaw. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Security controls should include web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious SQL injection patterns, regular security code reviews, and comprehensive penetration testing of the application's input handling mechanisms. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, and T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol exploitation. Organizations should also implement database activity monitoring and establish incident response procedures to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and security awareness training for developers can help prevent similar injection flaws in future application development cycles.