CVE-2023-30554 in Archery
Summary
by MITRE • 04/19/2023
Archery is an open source SQL audit platform. The Archery project contains multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities, that may allow an attacker to query the connected databases. Affected versions are subject to SQL injection in the `sql_api/api_workflow.py` endpoint `ExecuteCheck` which passes unfiltered input to the `explain_check` method in `sql/engines/oracle.py`. User input coming from the `db_name` parameter value in the `api_workflow.py` `ExecuteCheck` endpoint is passed through the `oracle.py` `execute_check` method and to the `explain_check` method for execution. Each of these issues may be mitigated by escaping user input or by using prepared statements when executing SQL queries. This issue is also indexed as `GHSL-2022-103`.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2023-30554 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Archery open source SQL audit platform, which poses significant security risks to organizations relying on this tool for database security assessments. This vulnerability specifically affects the `sql_api/api_workflow.py` endpoint's `ExecuteCheck` functionality, where user-supplied input flows directly into database execution without proper sanitization or validation. The flaw exists in the data processing pipeline where the `db_name` parameter value from the API endpoint is passed through multiple layers of method calls before reaching the database execution layer, creating multiple potential attack vectors for malicious input manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the Oracle database engine integration layer. When user input flows from the `api_workflow.py` `ExecuteCheck` endpoint through the `oracle.py` `execute_check` method and ultimately to the `explain_check` method, no proper escaping or parameterization occurs. This design flaw allows attackers to inject malicious SQL commands that bypass normal input filtering mechanisms and execute arbitrary database operations. The vulnerability manifests as a direct translation of user-provided parameters into database queries without any protective measures such as prepared statements or proper input escaping, creating an environment where attackers can manipulate database behavior through crafted input values.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data extraction to encompass full database compromise capabilities. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can potentially execute unauthorized database queries, access sensitive information, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the database environment. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Archery serves as a SQL audit platform, meaning that successful exploitation could provide attackers with the means to bypass the very security controls that organizations implement to protect their database infrastructure. This creates a particularly dangerous scenario where an attacker could use the platform itself as an entry point to compromise the underlying database systems that the platform is designed to audit.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability align with fundamental database security principles and industry best practices. The primary remediation approach involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the data processing pipeline, specifically ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are properly escaped or parameterized before database execution. Organizations should implement prepared statements or parameterized queries for all database interactions, which directly addresses the underlying CWE-89 vulnerability category that encompasses SQL injection flaws. Additionally, the implementation of proper input filtering and validation at the API endpoint level, combined with regular security code reviews and penetration testing, would significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1071.004 for application layer protocol and T1046 for network service scanning, highlighting the importance of both defensive measures and monitoring capabilities to detect potential exploitation attempts.