CVE-2017-5663 : Security Advisory and Response

Apache Fineract versions 0.4.0-incubating, 0.5.0-incubating, and 0.6.0-incubating are vulnerable to SQL Injection, allowing users with proper access permissions to inject harmful SQL code into SELECT queries.

Understanding CVE-2017-5663

This CVE involves a SQL Injection Vulnerability in Apache Fineract versions 0.4.0-incubating, 0.5.0-incubating, and 0.6.0-incubating.

What is CVE-2017-5663?

This CVE identifies a security flaw in Apache Fineract that enables authenticated users to inject malicious SQL code into SELECT queries due to improper sanitization of the 'sqlSearch' parameter.

The Impact of CVE-2017-5663

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially leading to data theft, manipulation, or unauthorized access.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-5663

Apache Fineract's SQL Injection Vulnerability is detailed below:

Vulnerability Description

Authenticated users with specific read permissions can inject harmful SQL code through the 'sqlSearch' parameter.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Apache Fineract
Vendor: Apache Software Foundation
Vulnerable Versions: 0.4.0-incubating, 0.5.0-incubating, 0.6.0-incubating

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability arises when the 'sqlSearch' parameter is not sanitized and is directly added to the query, allowing for SQL Injection attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2017-5663 with the following measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Apache Fineract to a patched version that addresses the SQL Injection vulnerability.
Implement strict input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL Injection attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit and review code for vulnerabilities like SQL Injection.
Train developers and administrators on secure coding practices to mitigate similar risks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Apache Fineract to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2017-5663.