CVE-2022-35121 in Novel-Plus
Summary
by MITRE • 08/18/2022
Novel-Plus v3.6.1 was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via the keyword parameter at /service/impl/BookServiceImpl.java.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-35121 affects Novel-Plus version 3.6.1 and represents a critical SQL injection flaw that could enable unauthorized access to sensitive database information. This vulnerability exists within the BookServiceImpl.java component of the application's service layer, specifically in how the system processes user input through the keyword parameter. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious SQL code through the search functionality, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure. The vulnerability's presence in the service implementation layer indicates a fundamental security weakness in input validation and query construction processes. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization or parameterization. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it leverages a common search parameter that would typically be used for legitimate book catalog searches, making the exploitation less obvious to security monitoring systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the keyword parameter in the book search functionality. The application fails to properly sanitize or parameterize the input before incorporating it into database queries, allowing the attacker to inject SQL commands that can manipulate the database structure or extract confidential data. This vulnerability demonstrates a lack of proper input validation mechanisms and inadequate database query construction practices. The flaw specifically affects the BookServiceImpl.java implementation, indicating that the developers did not implement secure coding practices for handling user-supplied data in database operations. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as it could potentially allow attackers to execute administrative database commands, modify critical system tables, or establish persistent access to the underlying database infrastructure. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web applications where search functionality is frequently used and where attackers can leverage the legitimate user interface to perform malicious database operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-35121 is severe and multifaceted, potentially affecting the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the entire Novel-Plus application ecosystem. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized data access, data modification, or complete database compromise, which would directly impact the application's ability to function properly. Organizations using this vulnerable version face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences due to exposure of sensitive user information. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the attack pattern taxonomy under techniques that involve data manipulation and information gathering. The attack could be automated and would likely remain undetected for extended periods, as the malicious SQL injection would appear to be normal search activity. This vulnerability could also facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within the application's infrastructure, particularly if the database user account has elevated permissions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-35121 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper parameterized queries or prepared statements for all database interactions, ensuring that user input cannot be interpreted as SQL commands. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization mechanisms that filter or escape potentially dangerous characters before processing user-supplied data. The fix should include updating the BookServiceImpl.java implementation to properly handle the keyword parameter through secure coding practices that align with OWASP Top Ten security guidelines. Additionally, implementing proper database access controls and least privilege principles can limit the damage from successful exploitation attempts. Regular security code reviews and automated static analysis tools should be deployed to identify similar vulnerabilities across the codebase. Organizations should also establish monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect unusual database query patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that the fix does not introduce regressions in functionality while maintaining the application's core search capabilities. This vulnerability highlights the importance of continuous security training for development teams and adherence to secure coding standards that prevent injection flaws from entering production systems.