CVE-2023-5806 in Quality Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 01/18/2024
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in Mergen Software Quality Management System allows SQL Injection.
This issue affects Quality Management System: before v1.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2026
The CVE-2023-5806 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Mergen Software Quality Management System, specifically impacting versions prior to v1.2. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which defines SQL injection as the insertion of malicious SQL code into database queries through user input. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize or escape input parameters before incorporating them into SQL command strings, creating an avenue for attackers to manipulate database operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it directly affects the core database functionality of the quality management system, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of all data stored within the application's database infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when user-supplied input is directly concatenated into SQL queries without proper validation or sanitization mechanisms. Attackers can craft malicious input that alters the intended execution flow of database commands, potentially allowing them to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even execute administrative operations on the underlying database system. The vulnerability likely manifests in areas where user input is accepted for search functions, authentication mechanisms, or data filtering operations within the quality management system. Given that this affects the entire Quality Management System before version 1.2, the flaw is likely present in multiple application components that interact with database resources, making the attack surface particularly broad and impactful for organizations relying on this software solution.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-5806 extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical quality management data including test results, compliance records, and system configuration information. Organizations using affected versions of the Mergen Software Quality Management System face significant risks including data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential business disruption. The vulnerability's presence in a quality management system specifically raises concerns about the integrity of quality assurance processes and the potential for attackers to manipulate testing data or bypass quality controls. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to severe database-level compromises. The attack vector typically involves sending specially crafted parameters through web forms, API endpoints, or direct HTTP requests that bypass normal application validation, allowing malicious SQL commands to execute with the privileges of the database user account.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to Mergen Software Quality Management System version 1.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase, establishing robust database access controls with least privilege principles, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious database access patterns. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous database query patterns. The remediation process should also include reviewing all database access points and ensuring that proper input sanitization is implemented across all user-facing interfaces. Organizations must also consider implementing database activity monitoring and intrusion detection systems to provide additional layers of protection against potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing database injection attacks, with the specific threat model aligning with industry standards for SQL injection prevention as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.