CVE-2021-43851 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Anuko Time Tracker, a web-based time tracking application, suffers from an SQL injection vulnerability in versions prior to 1.19.33.5607.

Understanding CVE-2021-43851

An SQL injection flaw in Anuko Time Tracker exposes systems to potential exploitation and unauthorized data access.

What is CVE-2021-43851?

Anuko Time Tracker is an open-source PHP web application for time tracking.
The vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious SQL queries through POST requests, impacting the integrity and confidentiality of the system.

The Impact of CVE-2021-43851

CVSS Score: 8.1 (High Severity)
Attack Vector: Network
Attack Complexity: Low
Privileges Required: Low
Confidentiality Impact: High
Integrity Impact: High
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized database access, data manipulation, and potential system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-43851

Anuko Time Tracker's SQL injection vulnerability has specific technical aspects that merit attention.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from inadequate validation of POST request parameters such as 'group' and 'status'.
Attackers can exploit these parameters to execute arbitrary SQL queries.

Affected Systems and Versions

Anuko Time Tracker versions prior to 1.19.33.5607 are vulnerable to this SQL injection flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can craft malicious SQL queries within POST requests to manipulate the system's behavior and compromise data integrity.

Mitigation and Prevention

Effective strategies to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-43851 are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Anuko Time Tracker to version 1.19.33.5607 or above to apply the necessary patch.
If upgrading is not feasible, implement the 'ttValidStatus' function for input validation where the 'status' parameter is used.
For 'groups.php' fix, introduce 'ttValidInteger' function in access control blocks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update web applications to address security vulnerabilities promptly.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to proactively identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates released by Anuko for Time Tracker to address potential vulnerabilities promptly.