CVE-2023-22727 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the CakePHP development framework for PHP web apps, specifically in the

Cake\\Database\\Query::limit()

and

Cake\\Database\\Query::offset()

methods that are susceptible to SQL injection if un-sanitized user request data is passed. It has been assigned a CVSS base score of 9.8, indicating a critical severity level.

Understanding CVE-2023-22727

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2023-22727 vulnerability in CakePHP and its potential impact on affected systems.

What is CVE-2023-22727?

CakePHP, a popular PHP web app development framework, contains a vulnerability in the

Cake\\Database\\Query::limit()

and

Cake\\Database\\Query::offset()

methods. This vulnerability exposes systems to SQL injection attacks when unsanitized user request data is utilized with these methods.

The Impact of CVE-2023-22727

With a CVSS base score of 9.8, this vulnerability is considered critical. If exploited, attackers can manipulate SQL queries leading to unauthorized access, data theft, and potential system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-22727

In this section, we explore the vulnerability description, affected systems, versions, and the exploitation mechanism of CVE-2023-22727.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the

Cake\\Database\\Query::limit()

and

Cake\\Database\\Query::offset()

methods allows for SQL injection when user input is not properly sanitized. To address this issue, CakePHP has released fixes in versions 4.2.12, 4.3.11, and 4.4.10.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects CakePHP versions >= 4.2.0 and < 4.2.12, >= 4.3.0 and < 4.3.11, and >= 4.4.0 and < 4.4.10. Users utilizing these versions are at risk and should take immediate action to secure their systems.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious SQL commands through unsanitized user input, leading to unauthorized database access and potential compromise of the system's confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from CVE-2023-22727, it is crucial to implement the following mitigation strategies and best practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade: Users are advised to upgrade to the latest patched versions of CakePHP (4.2.12, 4.3.11, 4.4.10) to eliminate the vulnerability.
Utilize CakePHP's Pagination Library: For users unable to upgrade immediately, utilizing CakePHP's Pagination library can help mitigate the risk.
Parameter Validation: Manually validating or casting user parameters before passing them to

Cake\\Database\\Query::limit()

and

Cake\\Database\\Query::offset()

methods can also help prevent SQL injection attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular Security Audits: Conduct routine security audits to identify and address any vulnerabilities in the application code.
Secure Coding Practices: Implement secure coding practices to sanitize user input and prevent injection attacks.
Education and Training: Provide training to developers on secure coding techniques to mitigate the risk of similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Staying updated with security patches and releases from CakePHP is essential to ensure the protection of your web applications. Regularly check for updates and apply them promptly to mitigate potential security risks.