CVE-2020-27237 in OpenClinic GA
Summary
by MITRE • 04/15/2021
An exploitable SQL injection vulnerability exists in ‘getAssets.jsp’ page of OpenClinic GA 5.173.3. The code parameter in the The nomenclature parameter in the getAssets.jsp page is vulnerable to unauthenticated SQL injection. An attacker can make an authenticated HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-27237 represents a critical security flaw in OpenClinic GA version 5.173.3, specifically within the getAssets.jsp web page component. This SQL injection vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms in the application's parameter handling logic. The flaw manifests when the application processes the code parameter alongside the nomenclature parameter, which are both susceptible to malicious input manipulation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows unauthenticated attackers to exploit the flaw through authenticated HTTP requests, indicating that the application's access controls may be insufficiently enforced. This weakness creates a pathway for attackers to directly interact with the underlying database infrastructure without proper authorization, potentially compromising sensitive patient data and clinical information that forms the core of healthcare applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows established patterns of SQL injection attacks where malicious SQL code is injected through input parameters. The nomenclature parameter in getAssets.jsp appears to be directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper parameterization or input sanitization. This flaw aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to database compromise. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that manipulate the SQL query execution flow, potentially enabling data retrieval, modification, or deletion operations. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only a single authenticated HTTP request, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers who have gained initial access through other means or by exploiting weak authentication mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, encompassing potential system compromise and regulatory compliance violations within healthcare environments. Given that OpenClinic GA is designed for healthcare information management, the exposure of patient records, medical histories, and clinical data could result in severe privacy breaches and regulatory penalties under healthcare data protection laws such as HIPAA. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges within the application, potentially leading to full system compromise or data exfiltration. The authenticated nature of the exploit suggests that attackers may be able to leverage existing user sessions or credentials to gain deeper access, making this vulnerability particularly attractive for threat actors targeting healthcare organizations. The impact on business continuity could be substantial, including potential legal ramifications, reputational damage, and financial losses from regulatory fines and remediation costs.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-27237 should focus on implementing robust input validation and parameterized query execution throughout the application's codebase. The most effective immediate fix involves proper parameterization of all database queries, ensuring that user input is treated as data rather than executable code through the use of prepared statements or parameterized queries. The application should implement strict input validation for all parameters including code and nomenclature, employing whitelisting approaches where possible to restrict input to known safe values. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be deployed to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns, while regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The implementation of principle of least privilege access controls and enhanced authentication mechanisms will help reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should establish comprehensive incident response procedures and consider implementing database activity monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of regular security assessments in healthcare applications where data protection is paramount. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1190 technique for exploitation of vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for proactive defense measures and vulnerability management programs.