CVE-2020-27233 in OpenClinic GA
Summary
by MITRE • 04/13/2021
An exploitable SQL injection vulnerability exists in ‘getAssets.jsp’ page of OpenClinic GA 5.173.3 in the supplierUID parameter. An attacker can make an authenticated HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-27233 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the OpenClinic GA 5.173.3 medical records management system. This vulnerability specifically affects the getAssets.jsp web page component and manifests through the supplierUID parameter, creating a significant security risk for healthcare organizations relying on this open-source platform. The flaw resides in the application's improper handling of user-supplied input within database query construction, allowing malicious actors to manipulate SQL command execution through crafted parameter values.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an authenticated user submits a malicious supplierUID parameter value to the getAssets.jsp endpoint. This parameter is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper input sanitization or parameterization, enabling attackers to inject arbitrary SQL code. The vulnerability follows the CWE-89 classification for SQL injection, where insufficient input validation allows attackers to manipulate database queries through malicious input. The attack vector requires authentication, meaning that an attacker must first obtain valid user credentials, but once achieved, the impact extends to full database access and potential data exfiltration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability within healthcare environments is severe and multifaceted. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to patient medical records, treatment histories, and personal health information, potentially leading to data breaches that violate HIPAA compliance requirements. Attackers could extract sensitive information including patient demographics, diagnosis codes, medication records, and physician notes. Additionally, the vulnerability could enable attackers to modify or delete critical medical data, potentially compromising patient care and creating operational disruptions. The attack could also facilitate lateral movement within network environments where OpenClinic systems are integrated with other healthcare applications, as database credentials are often shared across systems.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 for application layer protocol usage and T1566 for credential harvesting, as it requires authenticated access but provides a pathway for privilege escalation and data extraction. The vulnerability's exploitation fits within the broader context of healthcare industry threats, where medical records databases represent high-value targets for both financial gain and identity theft. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and access controls. The recommended remediation involves proper input sanitization of the supplierUID parameter and implementation of prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring of database access patterns should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning of healthcare applications are essential to identify similar flaws in other components of medical information systems.