CVE-2021-39179 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

DHIS 2 is an information system for data capture, management, validation, analytics, and visualization. This CVE addresses a SQL Injection vulnerability in the Tracker component of the DHIS2 Server that allows authenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.

Understanding CVE-2021-39179

This section provides insights into the nature and impact of the CVE.

What is CVE-2021-39179?

DHIS2 is susceptible to a SQL Injection flaw in the Tracker component, enabling attackers to run unauthorized SQL commands through the

/api/trackedEntityInstances

and

/api/trackedEntityInstances/query

endpoints in versions 2.32, 2.33, 2.34, 2.35, and 2.36.

The Impact of CVE-2021-39179

The vulnerability, with a CVSS base score of 8.8 (High Severity), poses risks to confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized data access, manipulation, and deletion in the DHIS2 instance.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-39179

Explore the technical specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The CWE-89 vulnerability arises from inadequate handling of SQL commands in the Tracker API, allowing attackers to execute malicious SQL queries remotely.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: DHIS2 Core
Vendor: DHIS2
Vulnerable Versions: 2.32, 2.33, 2.34.0 to 2.34.7, 2.35.0 to 2.35.7, and 2.36.0 to 2.36.4

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: None
Scope: Unchanged
Other Impacts: High impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2021-39179.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade affected DHIS2 servers to patched versions (2.32-EOS, 2.33-EOS, 2.34.7, 2.35.7, or 2.36.4)

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update DHIS2 instances to latest releases
Implement network controls to restrict access to vulnerable endpoints

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches available in versions 2.32-EOS, 2.33-EOS, 2.34.7, 2.35.7, and 2.36.4