CVE-2023-47637 – This is a SQL injection vulnerability in Pimcor... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2023-47637?

CVE-2023-47637 has a CVSS score of 8.8 (HIGH). This is a SQL injection vulnerability in Pimcore's admin interface that allows authenticated backend users with basic permissions to execute arbitrary SQL statements. Attackers can alter data, escalate privileges to admin level, or potentially achieve remote code execution. All Pimcore installations with affected versions are vulnerable.

📋 TL;DR

This is a SQL injection vulnerability in Pimcore's admin interface that allows authenticated backend users with basic permissions to execute arbitrary SQL statements. Attackers can alter data, escalate privileges to admin level, or potentially achieve remote code execution. All Pimcore installations with affected versions are vulnerable.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Pimcore

Versions: Versions before 11.1.1

Operating Systems: All

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Requires backend user authentication, but only basic permissions are needed. No special configuration required.

📦 What is this software?

Pimcore by Pimcore

View all CVEs affecting Pimcore →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete system compromise including data destruction, privilege escalation to admin, and potential remote code execution leading to full server takeover.

🟠

Likely Case

Data manipulation, privilege escalation to admin level, and potential data exfiltration from the database.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited to authenticated users only; with proper access controls, impact is reduced but still significant for authorized users.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH

🏢 Internal Only: HIGH

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: LIKELY

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: LOW

Exploitation requires authenticated access but is straightforward once authenticated. The vulnerability is in a core admin endpoint.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: 11.1.1

Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/pimcore/pimcore/security/advisories/GHSA-72hh-xf79-429p

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Backup your Pimcore installation and database. 2. Update Pimcore to version 11.1.1 or later using your package manager or by downloading from the official repository. 3. Restart your web server and application services. 4. Verify the update was successful.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

No workarounds available

all

The vendor states there are no known workarounds for this vulnerability.

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Restrict access to the admin interface using network controls (firewall rules, VPN, IP whitelisting)
Implement strict least-privilege access controls for backend users and monitor admin activity closely

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check your Pimcore version. If it's below 11.1.1, you are vulnerable.

Check Version:

Check the Pimcore version in the admin dashboard or review the composer.json file for version information.

Verify Fix Applied:

After updating, verify the version is 11.1.1 or higher and test that the /admin/object/grid-proxy endpoint properly validates input.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unusual SQL queries in database logs from admin users
Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful admin access
Suspicious POST requests to /admin/object/grid-proxy with SQL-like parameters

Network Indicators:

Unusual database connections from web application servers
Large data transfers from database to unexpected IPs

SIEM Query:

source="web_logs" AND uri="/admin/object/grid-proxy" AND (param="*SELECT*" OR param="*UNION*" OR param="*INSERT*" OR param="*UPDATE*" OR param="*DELETE*")

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2023-47637

CVSS v3 Score: 8.8 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-89

Published: November 15, 2023

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

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