CVE-2021-38145 in Form Tools
Summary
by MITRE • 08/31/2021
An issue was discovered in Form Tools through 3.0.20. SQL Injection can occur via the export_group_id field when a low-privileged user (client) tries to export a form with data, e.g., manipulation of modules/export_manager/export.php?export_group_id=1&export_group_1_results=all&export_type_id=1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-38145 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Form Tools web application version 3.0.20 and earlier. This security weakness exists in the export functionality of the application, specifically within the export_manager module where user input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. The vulnerability manifests when a low-privileged user attempts to export form data through the client interface, making it particularly concerning as it allows unauthorized data manipulation by users who should normally have limited access rights.
The technical exploitation occurs through the export_group_id parameter in the modules/export_manager/export.php script. When a malicious user crafts a specially formatted request containing SQL payload within this parameter, the application fails to validate or escape the input before executing database operations. This allows an attacker to inject arbitrary SQL commands that can be executed with the privileges of the web application's database user. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within a legitimate user workflow, making it harder to detect and exploit without proper input validation mechanisms in place.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate database contents, extract sensitive information, and potentially escalate their privileges within the application. Low-privileged users who should only be able to export their own data can leverage this flaw to access data belonging to other users, modify database structures, or even execute administrative commands. This represents a significant bypass of the application's access control mechanisms, as the vulnerability allows unauthorized data manipulation through a function that should be restricted to legitimate export operations.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a Database Operations technique where adversaries can manipulate database content through injection attacks. Organizations using Form Tools versions prior to 3.0.21 should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and proper access controls. The recommended solution involves updating to the patched version of Form Tools, implementing proper input sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, and monitoring database logs for suspicious activity patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.
The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign functionality can become a gateway for serious security breaches when proper input validation is omitted from web applications. Database administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring controls and access restrictions to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of web applications should include thorough testing of export and data manipulation functions to identify similar vulnerabilities that could be exploited by unauthorized users. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and database access controls to limit the impact of successful SQL injection attacks and prevent lateral movement within their database environments.