CVE-2021-43971 in ITIL
Summary
by MITRE • 01/11/2022
A SQL injection vulnerability in /mobile/SelectUsers.jsp in SysAid ITIL 20.4.74 b10 allows a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the filterText parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-43971 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the SysAid ITIL 20.4.74 b10 software suite, specifically affecting the mobile component's SelectUsers.jsp page. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a mobile interface component, expanding the potential attack surface beyond traditional desktop applications. The affected parameter filterText serves as the primary entry point for malicious input, allowing attackers to manipulate database operations through crafted SQL commands that bypass normal security controls. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The attack vector requires authentication, meaning that an attacker must first establish valid credentials to exploit this vulnerability, though this does not significantly reduce the risk given that authentication credentials can be obtained through various means including social engineering, credential stuffing, or other exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. This capability allows for full database enumeration, data modification, deletion, and potentially unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the SysAid ITIL environment. The mobile nature of the affected component means that attackers can exploit this vulnerability through mobile devices, potentially bypassing traditional network security controls that might be more robustly implemented for desktop access. The specific parameter filterText suggests that this vulnerability is likely triggered when users search for specific user information within the mobile application, making it a common operational activity that could be easily exploited. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002, which involves data from information repositories, and demonstrates how mobile application interfaces can serve as effective attack vectors for database-level exploitation. The vulnerability's presence in a widely-used ITIL management system amplifies its potential impact, as such platforms typically contain sensitive organizational data including user credentials, service requests, and operational information that could be leveraged for further attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-43971 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent user-supplied data from being interpreted as SQL commands. Organizations should also implement comprehensive logging and monitoring of database activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. The fix should involve updating the SysAid ITIL software to a version that addresses this vulnerability, as provided by the vendor through official patches or updates. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct thorough code reviews and penetration testing of mobile application components to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other parts of the system. The remediation process should also include implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions that can detect and prevent SQL injection attempts. From a defensive standpoint, organizations should consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls for database connections and ensure that database users have minimal required permissions to reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of securing all application interfaces including mobile components, as these often receive less rigorous security scrutiny than traditional web applications.