CVE-2020-27246
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands on OpenClinic GA systems through the 'listImmoLabels.jsp' page. Attackers can potentially access, modify, or delete database contents, including sensitive patient and medical records. Only OpenClinic GA 5.173.3 installations with authenticated user access 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 execute operating system commands.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to sensitive patient data, modification of medical records, or disruption of clinical operations.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper input validation and parameterized queries are implemented, with database permissions restricted to necessary operations only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access but uses simple SQL injection techniques. Public proof-of-concept exists in the Talos Intelligence report.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 5.173.4 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2020-1208
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Backup your OpenClinic GA installation and database. 2. Download and install OpenClinic GA version 5.173.4 or later from the official vendor. 3. Restart the application server. 4. Verify the fix by testing the vulnerable endpoint.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation Filter
allImplement server-side input validation to sanitize the immoComment parameter before processing.
Modify listImmoLabels.jsp to validate/sanitize immoComment parameter using regex or allowlist
Web Application Firewall
allDeploy a WAF with SQL injection protection rules to block malicious requests.
Configure WAF rules to detect and block SQL injection patterns in immoComment parameter
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement parameterized queries or prepared statements in the vulnerable JSP file
- Restrict database user permissions to minimum required operations and implement network segmentation
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Test the listImmoLabels.jsp endpoint with SQL injection payloads in the immoComment parameter while authenticated.Check Version:
Check the OpenClinic GA version in the application interface or configuration files.Verify Fix Applied:
Attempt the same SQL injection tests after patching; successful requests should be blocked or sanitized.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SQL queries in database logs
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by access to listImmoLabels.jsp
- HTTP requests with SQL keywords in immoComment parameter
Network Indicators:
- HTTP POST requests to listImmoLabels.jsp containing SQL injection patterns
- Unusual database traffic from application server
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND uri="*listImmoLabels.jsp*" AND (param="*immoComment*" AND value="*' OR *" OR value="*UNION*" OR value="*SELECT*" OR value="*INSERT*" OR value="*DELETE*")