CVE-2022-38488 in logrocket-oauth2-example
Summary
by MITRE • 12/15/2022
logrocket-oauth2-example through 2020-05-27 allows SQL injection via the /auth/register username parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-38488 affects the logrocket-oauth2-example application version dated 2020-05-27 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized SQL injection attacks. This issue specifically targets the authentication registration endpoint at /auth/register where user input is improperly handled, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through the username parameter. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the application's backend processing logic, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code that can be executed against the underlying database system.
The technical implementation of this SQL injection vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly escape or parameterize user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. When a user registers through the /auth/register endpoint, the username parameter is directly concatenated into SQL statements without appropriate security measures such as prepared statements or proper input sanitization. This flaw aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities, where improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands leads to unauthorized database access. Attackers can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary database commands, potentially gaining access to sensitive user information, modifying database contents, or even escalating privileges within the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-38488 extends beyond simple data theft, as it represents a severe threat to the application's integrity and user confidentiality. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise, allowing attackers to extract all registered user credentials, personal information, and potentially sensitive system data. The vulnerability affects the authentication system's core functionality, undermining the trust model that OAuth2-based applications rely upon for secure user management. Organizations using this example application may face regulatory compliance violations, reputational damage, and potential legal consequences due to unauthorized data access. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access points within the system, as demonstrated by ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers exploitation of remote services for initial access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application's database interaction code, ensuring that all user inputs are properly escaped or parameterized before being processed. Organizations should also implement comprehensive logging and monitoring mechanisms to detect unusual database activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The fix should incorporate secure coding practices as recommended by OWASP and NIST guidelines, including the use of prepared statements, input sanitization, and principle of least privilege access controls for database connections. Regular updates and patch management processes should be established to ensure that all dependencies and frameworks remain current with security patches, preventing similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future versions of the application.