CVE-2023-38870
📋 TL;DR
This SQL injection vulnerability in Economizzer allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the 'category_id' parameter in the cash book's accomplishments listing feature. It affects users running vulnerable versions of Economizzer, potentially leading to data theft, manipulation, or system compromise. The high CVSS score indicates critical risk, especially for internet-facing instances.
💻 Affected Systems
- Economizzer
📦 What is this software?
Economizzer by Economizzer
Economizzer by Economizzer
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full database compromise, including data exfiltration, deletion, or remote code execution if database permissions allow, leading to complete system takeover.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to sensitive financial data, such as transaction records or user information, and potential data manipulation or deletion.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper input validation and database permissions, such as read-only access preventing data modification or system-level exploits.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation is straightforward via crafted HTTP requests to the vulnerable endpoint, with public proof-of-concept available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check the Economizzer GitHub repository for updates post-April 2023; specific fixed version not explicitly stated in references.
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/gugoan/economizzer
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Economizzer to the latest version from the official GitHub repository. 2. Apply patches that include input validation or parameterized queries for the 'category_id' parameter. 3. Review and test the application after update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation and Sanitization
allImplement server-side validation to restrict 'category_id' to expected numeric values and sanitize inputs.
Not applicable as commands depend on specific code implementation; modify application code to validate inputs.
Web Application Firewall (WAF) Rules
allDeploy WAF rules to block SQL injection patterns targeting the vulnerable endpoint.
Configure WAF to detect and block requests with suspicious SQL patterns in parameters.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict network access to the Economizzer instance using firewalls to limit exposure to trusted IPs only.
- Implement database permissions to restrict user accounts to minimal necessary privileges, reducing impact if exploited.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Test the cash book accomplishments endpoint by sending a crafted 'category_id' parameter with SQL injection payloads (e.g., ' OR '1'='1) and observe if database errors or unexpected data is returned.Check Version:
Check the Economizzer version via its web interface or by examining source code/configuration files; command varies by deployment.Verify Fix Applied:
After patching, retest with the same payloads to ensure no SQL errors or unauthorized data access occurs; verify that input validation is enforced.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SQL error messages in application logs, repeated requests with malformed 'category_id' parameters, or unexpected database queries.
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests to the cash book endpoint containing SQL keywords or special characters in parameters.
SIEM Query:
Example: 'source="application_logs" AND (message:"SQL syntax" OR message:"category_id" AND message:"injection")'