CVE-2020-27239 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 assetStatus 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 described in CVE-2020-27239 represents a critical security flaw in OpenClinic GA version 5.173.3, specifically within the getAssets.jsp web page component. This SQL injection vulnerability arises from improper input validation of the assetStatus parameter, which allows malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted HTTP requests. The flaw exists in the application's web interface layer where user-supplied parameters are directly incorporated into SQL command structures without adequate sanitization or parameterization measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or validate user input before incorporating it into database queries. When the assetStatus parameter is processed by getAssets.jsp, the system does not employ prepared statements or proper input sanitization techniques that would prevent malicious SQL code from being executed. This allows an attacker to inject arbitrary SQL commands that can be interpreted and executed by the underlying database engine. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through authenticated HTTP requests, meaning that an attacker who has gained access to legitimate user credentials or can authenticate through other means can exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized database access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform complete database manipulation operations including data extraction, modification, and deletion. An attacker could potentially extract sensitive patient information, medical records, or administrative data from the OpenClinic database. The vulnerability also enables privilege escalation attacks where attackers might gain elevated access rights within the database system. Additionally, the SQL injection could be used to perform data corruption or denial of service attacks against the medical records management system, potentially compromising patient care and healthcare operations. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-89 SQL Injection, which is categorized as a high-severity weakness in the CWE top 25 most dangerous software weaknesses.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of parameterized queries or prepared statements for all database interactions, particularly for the assetStatus parameter in getAssets.jsp. The application should employ proper input validation and sanitization techniques to ensure that all user-supplied data is properly escaped before database processing. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, emphasizing the need for comprehensive application security hardening and regular patch management processes. System administrators should also implement least privilege access controls and monitor database access logs for suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts.