CVE-2020-27237
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows unauthenticated SQL injection attacks against OpenClinic GA's getAssets.jsp page via the nomenclature parameter. Attackers can execute arbitrary SQL commands to potentially access, modify, or delete database content. All systems running vulnerable versions of OpenClinic GA are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- OpenClinic GA
📦 What is this software?
Openclinic Ga by Openclinic Ga Project
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete database compromise leading to data theft, data destruction, or full system takeover via SQL injection to RCE chaining.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to sensitive patient/medical data, database manipulation, or denial of service.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper input validation and WAF rules are in place, though risk remains until patched.
🎯 Exploit Status
SQL injection is well-understood with many automated tools available. The vulnerability requires no authentication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 5.173.4 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2020-1207
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download latest OpenClinic GA version from official source. 2. Backup current installation and database. 3. Stop OpenClinic service. 4. Replace vulnerable files with patched version. 5. Restart OpenClinic service. 6. Verify functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation Filter
allImplement input validation to sanitize the nomenclature parameter before processing
Modify getAssets.jsp to add parameter validation and sanitization
WAF Rule Implementation
allDeploy web application firewall rules to block SQL injection patterns
Add WAF rule: SecRule ARGS:nomenclature "@detectSQLi" "id:1001,phase:2,deny"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate OpenClinic system from internet and restrict network access to authorized users only
- Implement strict input validation at application layer and database parameterized queries
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Test getAssets.jsp page with SQL injection payloads in nomenclature parameter (e.g., ' OR '1'='1)Check Version:
Check OpenClinic version in web interface or configuration filesVerify Fix Applied:
Verify that SQL injection attempts no longer succeed and parameter validation is implemented📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SQL queries in database logs
- Multiple failed parameter validation attempts in application logs
- Suspicious HTTP requests to getAssets.jsp with SQL syntax
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing SQL keywords (SELECT, UNION, etc.) in parameters
- Unusual traffic patterns to getAssets.jsp endpoint
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND uri="/getAssets.jsp" AND (param="*SELECT*" OR param="*UNION*" OR param="*OR*1*" OR param="*--*")