CVE-2018-1289 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Apache Fineract versions 1.0.0, 0.6.0-incubating, 0.5.0-incubating, and 0.4.0-incubating are affected by a SQL Injection vulnerability that allows unauthorized users to manipulate query parameters to read or update unauthorized data.

Understanding CVE-2018-1289

Apache Fineract versions 1.0.0, 0.6.0-incubating, 0.5.0-incubating, and 0.4.0-incubating have a security vulnerability that can lead to information disclosure.

What is CVE-2018-1289?

The vulnerability in Apache Fineract versions allows users to exploit REST endpoints using specific query parameters to manipulate SQL statements, potentially leading to unauthorized data access.

The Impact of CVE-2018-1289

Unauthorized users can exploit the 'orderBy' and 'sortOrder' query parameters to read or update data without proper authorization, leading to potential data breaches and information disclosure.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-1289

Apache Fineract versions 1.0.0, 0.6.0-incubating, 0.5.0-incubating, and 0.4.0-incubating are vulnerable to SQL Injection attacks.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the direct appending of 'orderBy' and 'sortOrder' query parameters to SQL statements, allowing unauthorized manipulation of data retrieval and updates.

Affected Systems and Versions

Apache Fineract 1.0.0
Apache Fineract 0.6.0-incubating
Apache Fineract 0.5.0-incubating
Apache Fineract 0.4.0-incubating

Exploitation Mechanism

Unauthorized users can exploit the 'orderBy' and 'sortOrder' query parameters to inject SQL code, enabling them to access or modify data without proper authorization.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take:

Implement input validation to sanitize user-supplied data.
Regularly monitor and audit SQL queries for suspicious activities. Long-Term Security Practices:
Conduct regular security training for developers on secure coding practices.
Employ the principle of least privilege to restrict access to sensitive data.
Utilize parameterized queries to prevent SQL Injection attacks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that Apache Fineract is updated to the latest secure version to mitigate the SQL Injection vulnerability.