CVE-2026-23627 in OpenEMR
Summary
by MITRE • 02/25/2026
OpenEMR is a free and open source electronic health records and medical practice management application. Prior to version 8.0.0, an SQL injection vulnerability in the Immunization module allows any authenticated user to execute arbitrary SQL queries, leading to complete database compromise, PHI exfiltration, credential theft, and potential remote code execution. The vulnerability exists because user-supplied `patient_id` values are directly concatenated into SQL WHERE clauses without parameterization or escaping. Version 8.0.0 patches the issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/01/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-23627 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the OpenEMR medical practice management system that affects versions prior to 8.0.0. This vulnerability specifically resides within the Immunization module, which is a core component of the electronic health records system used by healthcare providers worldwide. The flaw stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices where user-supplied patient_id values are directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms. This architectural weakness creates an exploitable pathway for authenticated attackers to manipulate database queries and gain unauthorized access to sensitive medical information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic SQL injection pattern where the application constructs dynamic SQL statements by concatenating user input directly into query strings. When an authenticated user submits a patient_id value through the Immunization module interface, the system fails to sanitize or parameterize this input before incorporating it into the WHERE clause of database queries. This allows malicious actors to inject additional SQL commands that bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary database operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it does not require elevated privileges beyond basic user authentication, making it accessible to any individual who can log into the system with valid credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data access violations, creating multiple vectors for compromise within healthcare environments. Successful exploitation enables attackers to achieve complete database compromise, potentially exposing Protected Health Information (PHI) of thousands of patients simultaneously. The vulnerability facilitates unauthorized data exfiltration, credential theft from user accounts, and could potentially lead to remote code execution if the database server allows such operations. Healthcare organizations face significant regulatory and compliance risks, as this vulnerability directly violates HIPAA security requirements and could result in substantial financial penalties. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that healthcare systems often contain highly sensitive personal and medical data that makes them attractive targets for cybercriminals.
Organizations utilizing affected versions of OpenEMR must implement immediate remediation measures to protect their systems and patient data. The primary mitigation strategy involves upgrading to version 8.0.0 or later, which includes proper parameterization of user inputs and implementation of secure coding practices. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit the scope of potential exploitation. Database administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring and logging of SQL query activities to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their entire OpenEMR deployment and related systems to ensure no other modules contain similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which describes SQL injection weaknesses in software applications, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage in data exfiltration activities. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions and regular security audits to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of their healthcare information systems.