CVE-2020-35243 in Flamingo
Summary
by MITRE • 12/27/2020
Flamingo (aka FlamingoIM) through 2020-09-29 has a SQL injection vulnerability in UserManager::updateUserInfoInDb.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2020
The Flamingo instant messaging application, also known as FlamingoIM, contains a critical sql injection flaw that affects all versions up to and including the 2020-09-29 release. This vulnerability resides within the UserManager::updateUserInfoInDb function which handles user information updates in the database. The flaw represents a classic input validation issue where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into sql queries. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input parameters that manipulate the underlying database query structure, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive user information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper parameter handling within the updateUserInfoInDb method. When users submit information updates through the application interface, the system fails to employ proper prepared statements or sql escaping mechanisms. This creates an environment where malicious actors can inject sql code directly into input fields, bypassing normal authentication and authorization controls. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands, making it a straightforward yet dangerous exploitation vector.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise to encompass potential system-wide damage. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract complete user databases including usernames, passwords, personal information, and communication records. Additionally, the vulnerability may facilitate privilege escalation attacks where malicious users gain administrative access to the application's backend systems. This represents a significant threat to user privacy and organizational security posture, particularly in environments where sensitive communications are handled through the platform.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the UserManager component. Organizations utilizing FlamingoIM must ensure all user inputs undergo rigorous sanitization before database insertion, implementing prepared statements or stored procedures to prevent sql injection attacks. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive security audits of similar components within the application framework, as this vulnerability likely indicates broader architectural issues with input handling practices. The remediation approach aligns with defense-in-depth principles and follows established industry standards for sql injection prevention outlined in both owasp top ten and nist cybersecurity framework guidelines. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions to detect and prevent exploitation attempts while the permanent fixes are being deployed across affected systems.