CVE-2021-45811 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A SQL injection vulnerability in the 'Search' functionality of 'tickets.php' page in osTicket 1.15.x allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the 'keywords' and 'topic_id' URL parameters combination.

Understanding CVE-2021-45811

What is CVE-2021-45811?

CVE-2021-45811 describes a SQL injection vulnerability found in the 'Search' feature of the 'tickets.php' page in osTicket version 1.15.x. This flaw permits authenticated attackers to run arbitrary SQL commands through specific URL parameters.

The Impact of CVE-2021-45811

The vulnerability allows attackers to bypass security restrictions and potentially access, modify, or delete sensitive data stored in the osTicket system, posing a significant threat to data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-45811

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises due to improper input validation of the 'keywords' and 'topic_id' parameters. Attackers can exploit this weakness to inject malicious SQL queries directly into the database.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: n/a
Product: n/a
Affected Versions: osTicket 1.15.x

Exploitation Mechanism

By manipulating the 'keywords' and 'topic_id' parameters in the URL, authenticated attackers can craft SQL injection payloads to gain unauthorized access or manipulate the database.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by osTicket promptly.
Restrict access to the 'Search' functionality until the patch is applied.
Monitor and audit database activity for any suspicious SQL queries.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and code reviews to identify and address vulnerabilities.
Train developers and administrators on secure coding practices and the risks of SQL injection attacks.

Patching and Updates

Implement a strict patch management process to ensure timely application of security updates provided by osTicket.