CVE-2020-29139 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

OpenEMR before 5.0.2.5 is vulnerable to a SQL injection flaw in patient_select.php, allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands.

Understanding CVE-2020-29139

What is CVE-2020-29139?

The CVE-2020-29139 vulnerability is a SQL injection issue in OpenEMR that enables authenticated remote attackers to run malicious SQL commands through the searchFields parameter.

The Impact of CVE-2020-29139

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, data manipulation, and potential data loss within the affected OpenEMR system.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-29139

Vulnerability Description

The flaw exists in the patient_select.php script of OpenEMR, allowing attackers to inject and execute SQL commands via the searchFields parameter.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: OpenEMR
Versions Affected: Before 5.0.2.5

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with remote authenticated access can exploit the vulnerability by manipulating the searchFields parameter to inject malicious SQL commands.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update OpenEMR to version 5.0.2.5 or later to patch the SQL injection vulnerability.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit and review the codebase for security vulnerabilities.
Educate users on secure coding practices and the importance of input validation to prevent SQL injection attacks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by OpenEMR to address known vulnerabilities.