CVE-2023-46348 in SunnyToo sturls
Summary
by MITRE • 12/14/2023
SQL njection vulnerability in SunnyToo sturls before version 1.1.13, allows attackers to escalate privileges and obtain sensitive information via StUrls::hookActionDispatcher and StUrls::getInstanceId methods.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2024
The SQL injection vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-46348 affects the SunnyToo sturls module prior to version 1.1.13, representing a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized privilege escalation and data exfiltration. This vulnerability specifically targets the StUrls::hookActionDispatcher and StUrls::getInstanceId methods, which serve as entry points for malicious actors to exploit the underlying database communication mechanisms. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within these methods, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL commands through improperly handled user-supplied parameters. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in application security where improper validation of user input leads to unauthorized database access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the database backend, potentially gaining administrative privileges or extracting sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, or system configurations.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-46348 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges within the affected system. When exploited through the StUrls::hookActionDispatcher method, the vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the application's dispatching logic and potentially gain unauthorized access to administrative functions. The StUrls::getInstanceId method further compounds the risk by providing an additional attack surface where malicious SQL queries can be injected to retrieve or modify critical system identifiers. This dual attack vector significantly increases the exploitability of the vulnerability and the potential damage that can be inflicted. The attack chain typically follows the pattern of initial reconnaissance, injection of malicious SQL payloads, and subsequent privilege escalation or data extraction phases, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where the sturls module handles sensitive operations.
Security professionals should consider the implications of this vulnerability within the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically noting the relevance to techniques such as T1078 for valid accounts and T1046 for network service scanning. The vulnerability's exploitation often involves reconnaissance activities to identify the vulnerable methods, followed by injection attacks that bypass traditional security controls. Organizations using the SunnyToo sturls module must prioritize immediate patching to version 1.1.13 or later, as this represents the definitive mitigation against the identified SQL injection flaw. Additional defensive measures should include implementing proper input validation, parameterized queries, and web application firewalls to prevent unauthorized database access. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews, particularly focusing on database interaction methods and privilege management within web applications. Organizations should conduct thorough penetration testing to verify the effectiveness of their mitigations and ensure that no other similar vulnerabilities exist within their codebase. The remediation process must also include monitoring for potential exploitation attempts and implementing proper logging mechanisms to detect unauthorized access patterns that may indicate successful exploitation of this vulnerability.