CVE-2022-42120 : What You Need to Know

A SQL injection vulnerability in the Fragment module in Liferay Portal 7.3.3 through 7.4.3.16, and Liferay DXP 7.3 before update 4, and 7.4 before update 17 allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via a PortletPreferences'

namespace

attribute.

Understanding CVE-2022-42120

This section will cover the details of CVE-2022-42120, including its impact and technical aspects.

What is CVE-2022-42120?

CVE-2022-42120 is a SQL injection vulnerability found in the Fragment module in Liferay Portal versions 7.3.3 through 7.4.3.16, as well as Liferay DXP 7.3 before update 4, and 7.4 before update 17. This vulnerability enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary SQL commands by exploiting the

namespace

attribute in PortletPreferences.

The Impact of CVE-2022-42120

The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, data manipulation, and potentially full control over the affected system. It poses a serious risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system and its data.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-42120

In this section, we will delve deeper into the technical aspects of CVE-2022-42120, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanisms.

Vulnerability Description

The SQL injection vulnerability allows attackers to insert malicious SQL commands through the

namespace

attribute in PortletPreferences. This can result in the execution of unauthorized SQL queries, potentially leading to data theft or modification.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Liferay Portal versions 7.3.3 through 7.4.3.16 and Liferay DXP 7.3 before update 4, and 7.4 before update 17. Organizations using these versions are at risk of exploitation and are urged to take immediate action.

Exploitation Mechanism

By crafting specific SQL injection payloads and sending them through the

namespace

attribute in PortletPreferences, attackers can manipulate the SQL queries processed by the application, enabling them to perform unauthorized actions on the database.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from the risks associated with CVE-2022-42120, it is crucial to implement appropriate mitigation strategies and security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should apply security patches provided by Liferay for the affected versions promptly. Additionally, access controls, input validation, and secure coding practices can help prevent SQL injection attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular security assessments, penetration testing, and employee training on secure coding practices are essential for enhancing the overall security posture and resilience against SQL injection vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Liferay for the vulnerable versions. Timely installation of patches is critical to addressing known vulnerabilities and reducing the risk of exploitation.