CVE-2022-41853 in Middleware Common Libraries and Tools
Summary
by MITRE • 10/06/2022
Those using java.sql.Statement or java.sql.PreparedStatement in hsqldb (HyperSQL DataBase) to process untrusted input may be vulnerable to a remote code execution attack. By default it is allowed to call any static method of any Java class in the classpath resulting in code execution. The issue can be prevented by updating to 2.7.1 or by setting the system property "hsqldb.method_class_names" to classes which are allowed to be called. For example, System.setProperty("hsqldb.method_class_names", "abc") or Java argument -Dhsqldb.method_class_names="abc" can be used. From version 2.7.1 all classes by default are not accessible except those in java.lang.Math and need to be manually enabled.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-41853 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the HyperSQL Database (hsqldb) system, specifically affecting applications that utilize java.sql.Statement or java.sql.PreparedStatement interfaces for database operations. This vulnerability stems from the default configuration that permits unrestricted access to static methods across all Java classes within the classpath, creating a dangerous attack surface where malicious input can trigger arbitrary code execution. The flaw exists in the database's method invocation mechanism, which was designed to allow flexibility in database operations but inadvertently enabled attackers to execute arbitrary Java code through carefully crafted SQL statements that leverage the database's ability to call static methods.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the hsqldb database engine's handling of untrusted input through SQL statement processing, where the system's default behavior allows any static method call from any class in the classpath without proper validation or restriction. This design flaw aligns with CWE-471, which addresses the vulnerability of using an incorrect method or function, and specifically relates to CWE-78, which deals with OS Command Injection, as the unrestricted method calls can result in arbitrary code execution. Attackers can exploit this by constructing SQL statements that invoke static methods on system classes such as Runtime.getRuntime().exec() or other potentially dangerous classes, effectively bypassing normal database security boundaries and executing arbitrary commands on the underlying system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it allows remote attackers to gain complete control over systems running vulnerable versions of hsqldb, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and full network access. The vulnerability affects any application that processes untrusted input through database statements without proper sanitization, making it particularly dangerous in web applications, enterprise systems, and any environment where user input is processed through database queries. The attack vector requires no special privileges beyond the ability to execute SQL statements against the vulnerable database, making it accessible to a wide range of threat actors from casual script kiddies to sophisticated adversaries.
The recommended mitigation strategies include updating to hsqldb version 2.7.1 or later, which implements a more secure default configuration that restricts class accessibility to only those classes in java.lang.Math by default, requiring administrators to explicitly enable access to additional classes through the system property "hsqldb.method_class_names". This approach follows the principle of least privilege and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, by limiting the attack surface and preventing unauthorized code execution. Organizations can also implement the system property setting as a temporary workaround, using commands such as System.setProperty("hsqldb.method_class_names", "abc") or the Java argument -Dhsqldb.method_class_names="abc" to restrict method access to specific, known-safe classes. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their database configurations, implement proper input validation, and consider network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.