CVE-2023-47637 in Pimcore
Summary
by MITRE • 11/15/2023
Pimcore is an Open Source Data & Experience Management Platform. In affected versions the `/admin/object/grid-proxy` endpoint calls `getFilterCondition()` on fields of classes to be filtered for, passing input from the request, and later executes the returned SQL. One implementation of `getFilterCondition()` is in `Multiselect`, which does not normalize/escape/validate the passed value. Any backend user with very basic permissions can execute arbitrary SQL statements and thus alter any data or escalate their privileges to at least admin level. This vulnerability has been addressed in version 11.1.1. Users are advised to upgrade. There are no known workarounds for this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/10/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2023-47637 affects Pimcore, an open-source data and experience management platform that serves as a comprehensive content management system. This security flaw resides within the administrative object grid proxy endpoint at /admin/object/grid-proxy which processes user input for filtering operations. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that allow malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands through the filtering interface. The issue specifically impacts the getFilterCondition() method implementation in the Multiselect field class, where user-supplied data flows directly into SQL query construction without adequate sanitization or normalization. This represents a critical path for privilege escalation and data manipulation within the platform's backend infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of filter parameters sent to the grid-proxy endpoint, which then invokes getFilterCondition() on various field types including Multiselect. The Multiselect implementation fails to properly escape or validate input values before incorporating them into SQL statements, creating a classic SQL injection attack vector. Attackers with minimal backend permissions can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary database commands, potentially gaining administrative privileges or modifying sensitive data. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as it enables full administrative control over the platform's content management system. This flaw demonstrates a failure in input validation at the application layer and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices for database interaction.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-47637 is severe for organizations relying on Pimcore for content management, as it allows unauthorized users to compromise the entire system through a single vulnerable endpoint. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires only basic backend permissions to exploit, making it accessible to users who should not have elevated privileges. Successful exploitation can result in complete data loss, unauthorized modifications to content, privilege escalation to administrator level, and potential data exfiltration. Organizations using affected versions of Pimcore face significant risk of unauthorized access and system compromise, particularly in environments where multiple users have backend access. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 SQL Injection and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts and T1566 Phishing, as it exploits legitimate user permissions to gain elevated access.
Mitigation of this vulnerability requires immediate upgrading to Pimcore version 11.1.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the input validation issues in the getFilterCondition() method. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the vulnerable endpoint, though this provides only partial protection since the vulnerability exists within the application logic itself. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in grid-proxy endpoint usage, particularly when filtering operations involve unexpected parameter values. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their Pimcore installations to identify other potential injection points and ensure proper input validation across all endpoints. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of validating and sanitizing all user inputs in database operations, particularly in administrative interfaces where privilege escalation opportunities exist.