CVE-2023-41364
📋 TL;DR
This SQL injection vulnerability in Tine Groupware allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands through the sort parameter of the /index.php endpoint. All Tine installations up to version 2023.01.14.325 are affected, potentially exposing database contents and enabling further system compromise.
💻 Affected Systems
- Tine Groupware
📦 What is this software?
Tine by Metaways
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete database compromise leading to data theft, privilege escalation, and potential remote code execution on the underlying server.
Likely Case
Unauthorized data access, extraction of sensitive information, and potential authentication bypass.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper input validation and database permissions, potentially only allowing data viewing without modification.
🎯 Exploit Status
SQL injection via HTTP parameter manipulation is well-understood and easily automated.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2023.01.14.326 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.tine-groupware.de/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Backup your Tine installation and database. 2. Download the latest version from the official Tine website. 3. Follow the Tine upgrade documentation to apply the update. 4. Restart the web server and Tine services.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Web Application Firewall (WAF)
allDeploy a WAF with SQL injection protection rules to block malicious requests.
Input Validation Filter
allImplement custom input validation for the sort parameter to reject SQL keywords.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate the Tine server from internet access and restrict to trusted networks only.
- Implement strict network segmentation and monitor all traffic to the Tine server for suspicious SQL patterns.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Test the /index.php endpoint with SQL injection payloads in the sort parameter (e.g., sort=1' OR '1'='1).Check Version:
Check the Tine version in the web interface or configuration files.Verify Fix Applied:
After patching, retest with SQL injection payloads; successful requests should be blocked or sanitized.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SQL errors in web server logs
- Requests with SQL keywords in sort parameter
- Multiple failed login attempts following SQL injection attempts
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing SQL syntax in URL parameters
- Unusual database query patterns from the web server
SIEM Query:
source="web_server_logs" AND ("sort=*sql*" OR "sort=*union*" OR "sort=*select*")