CVE-2024-5753 in vanna
Summary
by MITRE • 07/05/2024
vanna-ai/vanna version v0.3.4 is vulnerable to SQL injection in some file-critical functions such as `pg_read_file()`. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote users to read arbitrary local files on the victim server, including sensitive files like `/etc/passwd`, by exploiting the exposed SQL queries via a Python Flask API.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-5753 affects vanna-ai/vanna version v0.3.4 and represents a critical SQL injection flaw that undermines the security of the application's file handling capabilities. This vulnerability specifically targets functions such as pg_read_file() which are designed to read files from the database server's file system. The flaw exists within the Python Flask API implementation where user input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into SQL queries, creating an exploitable path for malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of SQL queries that are exposed via the Flask API endpoints. When an unauthenticated remote attacker sends crafted requests to the vulnerable application, the input parameters are directly embedded into SQL statements without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code that leverages the pg_read_file() function to read arbitrary local files on the target server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it bypasses normal authentication mechanisms and can be exploited from any location without requiring valid credentials, making it highly accessible to threat actors.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-5753 extends beyond simple file reading capabilities and represents a significant compromise to system security and data confidentiality. Attackers can potentially access critical system files such as /etc/passwd, which contains user account information, and other sensitive files that may contain database credentials, application configuration details, or other system-specific information. This reconnaissance capability enables attackers to gather intelligence about the system's user base, potentially leading to further privilege escalation attacks or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability also violates fundamental security principles by allowing unauthorized access to the underlying file system through database functions that should be restricted to authorized database administrators.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in database access control. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers can use the information gained from reading system files to craft more sophisticated attacks. The Flask API serves as a vector for exploitation, making this vulnerability particularly relevant in cloud environments where such APIs are commonly exposed to external networks. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack surface assessment that includes API security, database access controls, and overall system hardening measures. The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate patching of the vanna-ai/vanna application to version v0.3.5 or later, implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries, and restricting access to database functions through API endpoints. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring of API traffic should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in web applications, particularly when dealing with database functions that provide access to the underlying file system. Organizations should implement comprehensive security testing including penetration testing and code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in their applications. The flaw also highlights the need for robust application security frameworks that enforce proper parameterization of database queries and implement appropriate access controls for sensitive functions. Regular security updates and vulnerability management processes are essential to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-5753 that can lead to significant security breaches and data compromise.