dhis2-core: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command
CVE-2022-24848 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command vulnerability in dhis2-core from Dhis2, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected dhis2-core versions: <= 2.36.10; >= 2.37, <= 2.37.6. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.16% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 68% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Dhis 2 to 2.36.10.1 or 2.37.6.1, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhis2 | dhis2-core | <= 2.36.10; >= 2.37, <= 2.37.6 | Not stated |
| Dhis2 | Dhis 2 | before 2.36.10.1; 2.37.0 up to, but not including, 2.37.6.1 | 2.36.10.1, 2.37.6.1 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | CNA (github.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 2.0 | 6.5 | Medium | NVD |
Official description
DHIS2 is an information system for data capture, management, validation, analytics and visualization. A SQL injection security vulnerability affects the `/api/programs/orgUnits?programs=` API endpoint in DHIS2 versions prior to 2.36.10.1 and 2.37.6.1. The system is vulnerable to attack only from users that are logged in to DHIS2, and there is no known way of exploiting the vulnerability without first being logged in as a DHIS2 user. The vulnerability is not exposed to a non-malicious user and requires a conscious attack to be exploited. A successful exploit of this vulnerability could allow the malicious user to read, edit and delete data in the DHIS2 instance's database. Security patches are now available for DHIS2 versions 2.36.10.1 and 2.37.6.1. One may apply mitigations at the web proxy level as a workaround. More information about these mitigations is available in the GitHub Security Advisory.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command
The product constructs all or part of an SQL command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended SQL command when it is sent to a downstream component. Without sufficient removal or quoting of SQL syntax in user-controllable inputs, the generated SQL query can cause those inputs to be interpreted as SQL instead of ordinary user data.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use a vetted library or framework that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid. For example, consider using persistence layers such as Hibernate or Enterprise Java Beans, which can provide significant protection against SQL injection if used properly.
- For any security checks that are performed on the client side, ensure that these checks are duplicated on the server side, in order to avoid CWE-602. Attackers can bypass the client-side checks by modifying values after the checks have been performed, or by changing the client to remove the client-side checks entirely. Then, these modified values would be submitted to the server.
- When the set of acceptable objects, such as filenames or URLs, is limited or known, create a mapping from a set of fixed input values (such as numeric IDs) to the actual filenames or URLs, and reject all other inputs.
More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command vulnerabilities (CWE-89)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
- github.com/dhis2/dhis2-core/security/advisories/GHSA-52vp-f7hj-cj92Mitigation, Third Party Advisory
Patches and release notes
- github.com/dhis2/dhis2-core/commit/3b245d04a58b78f0dc9bae8559f36ee4ca36dfacThird Party Advisory
- github.com/dhis2/dhis2-core/commit/ef04483a9b177d62e48dcf4e498b302a11f95e7dThird Party Advisory
- github.com/dhis2/dhis2-core/pull/10953Issue Tracking, Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in dhis2-core
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.7 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.