CVE-2021-40636 in openSIS Classic
Summary
by MITRE • 03/03/2022
OS4ED openSIS 8.0 is affected by SQL Injection in CheckDuplicateName.php, which can extract information from the database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2021-40636 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in OS4ED openSIS version 8.0 that specifically affects the CheckDuplicateName.php script. This vulnerability resides within the educational management system designed for school information management and student record keeping. The flaw allows unauthorized attackers to manipulate database queries through malicious input parameters, potentially gaining access to sensitive educational data including student records, personal information, and institutional data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning given that openSIS is widely deployed in educational institutions where data protection and privacy are paramount. The SQL injection occurs when user-supplied input is directly incorporated into database queries without proper sanitization or parameterization, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the CheckDuplicateName.php component which handles duplicate name checking functionality. When users submit name data for validation, the application fails to properly escape or parameterize the input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code that can manipulate the database query execution flow. According to CWE classification, this maps to CWE-89 SQL Injection, which is categorized as a high-risk vulnerability due to its potential for data breach and system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires minimal privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application has elevated database permissions.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-40636 extends beyond simple data extraction to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity violations. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to perform unauthorized database enumeration, extract sensitive student information, modify existing records, or even execute destructive operations against the database. The exposure of student personal data, academic records, and institutional information creates significant compliance risks for educational institutions that must adhere to privacy regulations such as FERPA in the united states. Organizations using openSIS version 8.0 face potential legal ramifications, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties if this vulnerability is exploited successfully. The attack vector is typically straightforward, requiring only web application interaction and can be automated using standard penetration testing tools.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary fix involves implementing proper input sanitization and parameterized queries throughout the CheckDuplicateName.php script and related components. Organizations should apply the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to a patched version of openSIS as soon as possible. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls, input validation controls, and regular security assessments can provide defense-in-depth measures. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive code reviews focusing on database query construction and implement automated scanning tools to identify similar vulnerabilities across the application codebase. Regular security training for developers on secure coding practices remains essential to prevent recurrence of such injection vulnerabilities in future releases.