CVE-2022-23366 in HMS
Summary
by MITRE • 01/22/2022
HMS v1.0 was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via patientlogin.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2024
The CVE-2022-23366 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw in HMS v1.0 software, specifically within the patientlogin.php component. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89 which defines SQL injection as the insertion of malicious SQL queries into input fields for execution by the database. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate database queries through the patient login interface, potentially compromising the entire patient data management system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it directly affects the authentication mechanism of the medical records system, creating pathways for unauthorized access to sensitive patient information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when user input from the patientlogin.php script is not properly sanitized or validated before being incorporated into SQL database queries. Attackers can craft malicious input strings that alter the intended query execution flow, potentially enabling them to extract, modify, or delete patient records. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameterized query implementation, allowing attackers to inject SQL commands that bypass authentication mechanisms. This type of injection attack can be leveraged to perform unauthorized database operations including but not limited to data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and system compromise. The attack vector specifically targets the login functionality, making it particularly dangerous as it could provide initial access to the entire medical records database.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-23366 extends beyond simple data theft, as it threatens the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive patient medical information. Healthcare organizations utilizing HMS v1.0 face significant risks including potential data breaches that could expose protected health information, violate privacy regulations such as HIPAA, and result in substantial financial penalties. The vulnerability could enable attackers to impersonate legitimate users, access confidential medical records, modify patient data, or even delete critical information. Given the nature of healthcare data, the consequences of exploitation could include identity theft, medical fraud, and compromised patient care. The attack surface is further expanded due to the fundamental role of authentication in healthcare systems, where successful exploitation could provide attackers with persistent access to the entire patient database infrastructure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. The recommended approach involves implementing proper database query sanitization techniques, utilizing prepared statements, and ensuring all user inputs are properly escaped before database processing. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in related systems. Network segmentation and access controls should be enhanced to limit exposure, while comprehensive logging and monitoring should be implemented to detect suspicious database access patterns. The remediation process must include updating to patched versions of HMS v1.0, implementing web application firewalls, and establishing robust database access controls. Organizations should also consider adopting defense-in-depth strategies including regular security training for staff, implementing multi-factor authentication, and maintaining detailed incident response procedures specifically designed for healthcare data breaches. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in software applications, emphasizing the need for comprehensive vulnerability management and patching programs.