CVE-2022-24707 in Time Tracker
Summary
by MITRE • 02/24/2022
Anuko Time Tracker is an open source, web-based time tracking application written in PHP. UNION SQL injection and time-based blind injection vulnerabilities existed in Time Tracker Puncher plugin in versions of anuko timetracker prior to 1.20.0.5642. This was happening because the Puncher plugin was reusing code from other places and was relying on an unsanitized date parameter in POST requests. Because the parameter was not checked, it was possible to craft POST requests with malicious SQL for Time Tracker database. This issue has been resolved in in version 1.20.0.5642. Users unable to upgrade are advised to add their own checks to input.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2024
The CVE-2022-24707 vulnerability affects Anuko Time Tracker, a popular open source web-based time tracking application built with PHP. This security flaw specifically targets the Puncher plugin within the application, which serves as a core component for time tracking functionality. The vulnerability represents a critical security risk that could allow attackers to execute unauthorized database operations and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive organizational time tracking data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the Puncher plugin's handling of POST requests. The flaw manifests as a SQL injection vulnerability that occurs when the application reuses code from other components without proper sanitization of user-provided parameters. Specifically, the date parameter in POST requests was not adequately validated or sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. This code reuse pattern created a security gap where malicious actors could inject arbitrary SQL commands through crafted POST requests containing specially formatted date values.
The vulnerability presents two distinct attack vectors: UNION-based SQL injection and time-based blind SQL injection techniques. UNION SQL injection allows attackers to combine their malicious SQL commands with legitimate database queries to extract information from the database through the application's response. Time-based blind SQL injection enables attackers to infer database contents through response timing differences, making it particularly dangerous as it can operate without direct data leakage. Both attack methods exploit the lack of proper parameter sanitization and input validation in the Puncher plugin's database interaction code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to potentially compromise the entire time tracking infrastructure. Organizations using vulnerable versions of Anuko Time Tracker face risks of unauthorized access to employee time records, billing data, project timelines, and other sensitive business information. The vulnerability could enable attackers to modify time entries, create false records, or even escalate privileges within the application. Given that time tracking systems often contain valuable business intelligence and employee data, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizational security and compliance requirements.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-89 SQL Injection within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, specifically representing a failure to properly sanitize user inputs before incorporating them into database queries. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a database access technique under the T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: DNS category, as attackers could potentially use the SQL injection to extract domain-specific data. The vulnerability also aligns with T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it affects a web-based application accessible over the internet. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, web application firewalls, and input validation measures as interim protections while planning upgrades.
The security issue was successfully addressed in version 1.20.0.5642 of Anuko Time Tracker through proper input sanitization and parameter validation. The fix implemented proper validation of date parameters in POST requests, ensuring that all user inputs are properly escaped and sanitized before database interaction. For organizations unable to immediately upgrade to the patched version, recommended mitigation strategies include implementing custom input validation routines, deploying web application firewalls to filter malicious requests, and monitoring application logs for suspicious activity patterns. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security audits of their time tracking systems and consider implementing database-level protections such as restricted database user permissions to minimize potential impact from successful attacks.