SQL Injection in mjperpinosa stumasy

Executive Summary

This vulnerability is a blind SQL injection in the Stumasy application, specifically in the function Notes_controller::search_scratch_data within the file application/PHP/objects/notes/search_scratch_data.php.

The issue arises because the application directly inserts the user-supplied 'field_name' parameter into a SQL query without proper validation or allowlisting. This allows an attacker to inject malicious SQL code into the query's WHERE clause.

An authenticated attacker can exploit this by sending crafted requests with SQL injection payloads in the 'field_name' parameter, enabling them to execute arbitrary SQL commands indirectly.

The vulnerability was confirmed with a proof of concept using a time-based blind SQL injection technique, where the response time increased significantly, indicating successful execution of injected SQL.

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Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can allow an attacker to infer and extract sensitive information from the database by exploiting the blind SQL injection flaw.

Because the injection occurs in a parameter that controls SQL identifiers, it bypasses protections like prepared statements that only secure bound values.

An attacker could potentially disclose sensitive data belonging to other users, leading to data breaches.

Since the attack can be initiated remotely by an authenticated user, it poses a significant risk to the confidentiality and integrity of the application's data.

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Detection Guidance

This vulnerability can be detected by testing the `field_name` parameter in the `search_scratch_data.php` file for SQL injection. Specifically, sending crafted requests with SQL injection payloads such as time-based blind SQL injection can reveal the issue.

A proof of concept involves injecting a payload like `SLEEP(1)` into the `field_name` parameter and observing the response time. A significant increase in response time (e.g., from 0.01 seconds to 12 seconds) confirms successful SQL injection.

• Send a POST request to the vulnerable endpoint with a payload in the `field_name` parameter that includes `SLEEP(1)` or similar SQL injection syntax.
• Example command using curl to test the vulnerability (replace URL and parameters accordingly):
• curl -X POST -d "field_name=valid_field_name OR SLEEP(5)-- " https://targetsite/application/PHP/objects/notes/search_scratch_data.php

If the response time is noticeably delayed, it indicates the presence of the SQL injection vulnerability.

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Mitigation Strategies

Immediate mitigation steps include validating and allowlisting the `field_name` parameter to ensure only expected and safe values are accepted.

Avoid directly inserting user-supplied input into SQL queries, especially for SQL identifiers or syntax elements. Use parameterized queries or prepared statements where possible, but note that prepared statements do not protect SQL identifiers.

Restrict access to the vulnerable functionality to trusted users only, as exploitation requires authentication.

Monitor logs for suspicious activity involving the `field_name` parameter and unusual delays in response times.

Since the project has not yet released a fix, consider applying temporary patches or code changes to sanitize or restrict input before a proper update is available.

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Compliance Impact

The SQL injection vulnerability in the Stumasy application allows attackers to infer and potentially disclose sensitive information belonging to other users by exploiting the 'field_name' parameter. Such unauthorized access and disclosure of personal or sensitive data can lead to non-compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR and HIPAA, which mandate the protection of personal data and require organizations to implement adequate security measures to prevent data breaches.

Specifically, this vulnerability could result in unauthorized access to personal data, violating principles of data confidentiality and integrity required by these standards. Organizations using this software may face legal and regulatory consequences if the vulnerability is exploited and leads to data breaches.

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