CVE-2023-28424 in Soko
Summary
by MITRE • 03/20/2023
Soko if the code that powers packages.gentoo.org. Prior to version 1.0.2, the two package search handlers, `Search` and `SearchFeed`, implemented in `pkg/app/handler/packages/search.go`, are affected by a SQL injection via the `q` parameter. As a result, unauthenticated attackers can execute arbitrary SQL queries on `https://packages.gentoo.org/`. It was also demonstrated that primitive was enough to gain code execution in the context of the PostgreSQL container. The issue was addressed in commit `4fa6e4b619c0362728955b6ec56eab0e0cbf1e23y` of version 1.0.2 using prepared statements to interpolate user-controlled data in SQL queries.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-28424 affects the Soko application that powers the Gentoo packages repository at packages.gentoo.org. This critical security flaw exists in the package search functionality where two handlers named `Search` and `SearchFeed` are implemented in the file pkg/app/handler/packages/search.go. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and handling of user-supplied data within SQL query construction, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation.
The technical flaw manifests through the `q` parameter in the search functionality, which serves as the primary attack vector for SQL injection. When users submit search queries through the web interface, the application fails to properly sanitize or parameterize the input before incorporating it into database queries. This allows unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious SQL code that gets executed against the underlying PostgreSQL database. The vulnerability is classified as a classic SQL injection weakness that directly maps to CWE-89, which represents improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exfiltration, as demonstrated by the proof-of-concept that showed primitive SQL injection could lead to code execution within the PostgreSQL container context. This represents a significant escalation from typical SQL injection attacks where attackers might only be able to read data, to a scenario where they can potentially execute arbitrary commands on the database server. The implications include potential data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and possible compromise of the entire database infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerable application is publicly accessible at https://packages.gentoo.org/ and requires no authentication to exploit.
The fix implemented in version 1.0.2 addresses the root cause by employing prepared statements to properly interpolate user-controlled data in SQL queries. This approach follows the established security principle of separating SQL command structure from data values, effectively preventing malicious SQL code from being executed. The specific commit 4fa6e4b619c0362728955b6ec56eab0e0cbf1e23y demonstrates the application of proper input sanitization techniques that align with ATT&CK framework tactic TA0006 (Credential Access) and technique T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application). Organizations using vulnerable versions should immediately upgrade to version 1.0.2 or implement equivalent mitigations through proper parameterization of all database queries. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of input validation and secure coding practices in web applications, particularly when handling user-supplied data that interacts with backend databases.