Skip to content
OpenAdvisories

Weakness (CWE)

CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command

Base

The product constructs all or part of an SQL command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended SQL command when it is sent to a downstream component. Without sufficient removal or quoting of SQL syntax in user-controllable inputs, the generated SQL query can cause those inputs to be interpreted as SQL instead of ordinary user data.

How to prevent it (8 mitigations)
  1. Architecture and Design

    Use a vetted library or framework that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid [REF-1482].

    For example, consider using persistence layers such as Hibernate or Enterprise Java Beans, which can provide significant protection against SQL injection if used properly.

  2. Architecture and Design

    If available, use structured mechanisms that automatically enforce the separation between data and code. These mechanisms may be able to provide the relevant quoting, encoding, and validation automatically, instead of relying on the developer to provide this capability at every point where output is generated.

    Process SQL queries using prepared statements, parameterized queries, or stored procedures. These features should accept parameters or variables and support strong typing. Do not dynamically construct and execute query strings within these features using "exec" or similar functionality, since this may re-introduce the possibility of SQL injection. [REF-867]

  3. Architecture and Design, Operation

    Run your code using the lowest privileges that are required to accomplish the necessary tasks [REF-76]. If possible, create isolated accounts with limited privileges that are only used for a single task. That way, a successful attack will not immediately give the attacker access to the rest of the software or its environment. For example, database applications rarely need to run as the database administrator, especially in day-to-day operations.

    Specifically, follow the principle of least privilege when creating user accounts to a SQL database. The database users should only have the minimum privileges necessary to use their account. If the requirements of the system indicate that a user can read and modify their own data, then limit their privileges so they cannot read/write others' data. Use the strictest permissions possible on all database objects, such as execute-only for stored procedures.

  4. Architecture and Design

    For any security checks that are performed on the client side, ensure that these checks are duplicated on the server side, in order to avoid CWE-602. Attackers can bypass the client-side checks by modifying values after the checks have been performed, or by changing the client to remove the client-side checks entirely. Then, these modified values would be submitted to the server.

  5. Implementation

    While it is risky to use dynamically-generated query strings, code, or commands that mix control and data together, sometimes it may be unavoidable. Properly quote arguments and escape any special characters within those arguments. The most conservative approach is to escape or filter all characters that do not pass an extremely strict allowlist (such as everything that is not alphanumeric or white space). If some special characters are still needed, such as white space, wrap each argument in quotes after the escaping/filtering step. Be careful of argument injection (CWE-88).

    Instead of building a new implementation, such features may be available in the database or programming language. For example, the Oracle DBMS_ASSERT package can check or enforce that parameters have certain properties that make them less vulnerable to SQL injection. For MySQL, the mysql_real_escape_string() API function is available in both C and PHP.

  6. Implementation

    Assume all input is malicious. Use an "accept known good" input validation strategy, i.e., use a list of acceptable inputs that strictly conform to specifications. Reject any input that does not strictly conform to specifications, or transform it into something that does.

    When performing input validation, consider all potentially relevant properties, including length, type of input, the full range of acceptable values, missing or extra inputs, syntax, consistency across related fields, and conformance to business rules. As an example of business rule logic, "boat" may be syntactically valid because it only contains alphanumeric characters, but it is not valid if the input is only expected to contain colors such as "red" or "blue."

    Do not rely exclusively on looking for malicious or malformed inputs. This is likely to miss at least one undesirable input, especially if the code's environment changes. This can give attackers enough room to bypass the intended validation. However, denylists can be useful for detecting potential attacks or determining which inputs are so malformed that they should be rejected outright.

    When constructing SQL query strings, use stringent allowlists that limit the character set based on the expected value of the parameter in the request. This will indirectly limit the scope of an attack, but this technique is less important than proper output encoding and escaping.

    Note that proper output encoding, escaping, and quoting is the most effective solution for preventing SQL injection, although input validation may provide some defense-in-depth. This is because it effectively limits what will appear in output. Input validation will not always prevent SQL injection, especially if you are required to support free-form text fields that could contain arbitrary characters. For example, the name "O'Reilly" would likely pass the validation step, since it is a common last name in the English language. However, it cannot be directly inserted into the database because it contains the "'" apostrophe character, which would need to be escaped or otherwise handled. In this case, stripping the apostrophe might reduce the risk of SQL injection, but it would produce incorrect behavior because the wrong name would be recorded.

    When feasible, it may be safest to disallow meta-characters entirely, instead of escaping them. This will provide some defense in depth. After the data is entered into the database, later processes may neglect to escape meta-characters before use, and you may not have control over those processes.

  7. Architecture and Design

    When the set of acceptable objects, such as filenames or URLs, is limited or known, create a mapping from a set of fixed input values (such as numeric IDs) to the actual filenames or URLs, and reject all other inputs.

  8. Implementation

    Ensure that error messages only contain minimal details that are useful to the intended audience and no one else. The messages need to strike the balance between being too cryptic (which can confuse users) or being too detailed (which may reveal more than intended). The messages should not reveal the methods that were used to determine the error. Attackers can use detailed information to refine or optimize their original attack, thereby increasing their chances of success.

    If errors must be captured in some detail, record them in log messages, but consider what could occur if the log messages can be viewed by attackers. Highly sensitive information such as passwords should never be saved to log files.

    Avoid inconsistent messaging that might accidentally tip off an attacker about internal state, such as whether a user account exists or not.

    In the context of SQL Injection, error messages revealing the structure of a SQL query can help attackers tailor successful attack strings.

Source: MITRE CWE-89

2,586 results · Clear filters · Feed

  • Critical 9.8

    Multiple vulnerabilities in SportsNET

    SQL injection vulnerabilities in SportsNET affecting version 4.0.1. These vulnerabilities could allow an attacker to retrieve, update and delete all information in the database by sending a specially crafted SQL query:  https://XXXXXXX.saludydesafio.com/app/a…

  • Critical 9.8

    Multiple vulnerabilities in SportsNET

    SQL injection vulnerabilities in SportsNET affecting version 4.0.1. These vulnerabilities could allow an attacker to retrieve, update and delete all information in the database by sending a specially crafted SQL query:  https://XXXXXXX.saludydesafio.com/app/a…

  • Critical 9.8

    Organizr v1.90 was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via chat/settyping.php.

  • Critical 9.8

    Organizr v1.90 was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via chat/setlike.php.

  • Critical 9.9

    An issue in EQ Enterprise Management System before v2.0.0 allows attackers to execute a directory traversal via crafted…

  • Critical 9.3

    Unauthenticate SQLi in Brain Information Technologies' Brain Low-Code

    Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection'), CWE - 564 - SQL Injection: Hibernate vulnerability in Brain Information Technologies Inc. Brain Low-Code allows SQL Injection. This issue affects Brain Low-Code: before 2.1.…

  • Critical 9.8

    SQL injection vulnerability in CIGESv2 system

    SQL injection vulnerability in ATISolutions CIGES affecting versions lower than 2.15.5. This vulnerability allows a remote attacker to send a specially crafted SQL query to the /modules/ajaxServiciosCentro.php point in the idCentro parameter and retrieve all …

  • Critical 9.8

    SeaCMS v12.9 has a SQL injection vulnerability in the key parameter of /js/player/dmplayer/dmku/index.php?ac=so.

  • Critical 9.1

    A SQL Injection vulnerability exists in the Downtime component in Centreon Web 24.04.x before 24.04.3, 23.10.x before 2…

  • Critical 9.1

    A SQL Injection vulnerability exists in the Timeperiod component in Centreon Web 24.04.x before 24.04.3, 23.10.x before…

  • Critical 9.1

    A SQL Injection vulnerability exists in the Graph Template component in Centreon Web 24.04.x before 24.04.3, 23.10.x be…

  • Critical 9.8
    CVE-2024-32501 EPSS 19%

    A SQL Injection vulnerability exists in the updateServiceHost functionality in Centreon Web 24.04.x before 24.04.3, 23.…

  • Critical 9.8

    A SQL injection vulnerability in "/login.php" of the Kashipara Bus Ticket Reservation System v1.0 allows remote attacke…

  • Critical 10.0
    CVE-2024-7854 Public exploit Scanner template

    Woo Inquiry <= 0.1 - Unauthenticated SQL Injection

    The Woo Inquiry plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection in all versions up to, and including, 0.1 due to insufficient escaping on the user supplied parameter 'dbid' and lack of sufficient preparation on the existing SQL query. This makes it possib…

  • Critical 9.8

    A SQL injection vulnerability in "/music/controller.php?page=view_music" in Kashipara Music Management System v1.0 allo…

  • Critical 9.8

    A SQL injection vulnerability in "/music/ajax.php?action=login" of Kashipara Music Management System v1.0 allows remote…

  • Critical 9.8

    Keyfactor Command 10.5.x before 10.5.1 and 11.5.x before 11.5.1 allows SQL Injection which could result in code executi…

  • Critical 9.8

    Hotel Management System commit 91caab8 was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via the book_id paramete…

  • Critical 9.8

    School Management System commit bae5aa was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via the medium parameter…

  • Critical 9.8

    School Management System commit bae5aa was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via the medium parameter…

  • Critical 9.8

    ERP commit 44bd04 was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via the id parameter at /index.php/basedata/c…

  • Critical 9.8

    School Management System commit bae5aa was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via the medium parameter…

  • Critical 9.8

    School Management System commit bae5aa was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via the sid parameter at…

  • Critical 9.8

    School Management System commit bae5aa was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via the medium parameter…

  • Critical 9.8

    School Management System commit bae5aa was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via the medium parameter…

  • Critical 9.8

    School Management System commit bae5aa was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via the transport parame…

  • Critical 9.8

    School Management System commit bae5aa was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via the medium parameter…

  • Critical 9.8

    School Management System commit bae5aa was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via the medium parameter…

  • Critical 9.8

    Hotel Management System commit 91caab8 was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via the room_type parame…

  • Critical 9.8

    Pharmacy Management System commit a2efc8 was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via the invoice_number…

  • Critical 9.8

    Projectworlds Online Examination System v1.0 is vulnerable to SQL Injection via the subject parameter in feed.php.

  • Critical 9.8

    SECOM Dr.ID Attendance system - Unrestricted File Upload

    Dr.ID Access Control System from SECOM does not properly validate a specific page parameter, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to inject SQL commands to read, modify, and delete database contents.

  • Critical 9.8

    SECOM Dr.ID Access control system - SQL injection

    Dr.ID Access Control System from SECOM does not properly validate a specific page parameter, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to inject SQL commands to read, modify, and delete database contents.

  • Critical 9.8
    CVE-2024-43360 Scanner template

    ZoneMinder Time-based SQL Injection

    ZoneMinder is a free, open source closed-circuit television software application. ZoneMinder is affected by a time-based SQL Injection vulnerability. This vulnerability is fixed in 1.36.34 and 1.37.61.

  • Critical 9.8

    A SQL injection vulnerability in "/index.php" of Kashipara Live Membership System v1.0 allows remote attackers to execu…

  • Critical 9.8

    A SQL injection vulnerability in "/oahms/admin/forgot-password.php" in PHPGurukul Old Age Home Management System v1.0 a…

  • Critical 9.8

    SourceCodester Computer Laboratory Management System 1.0 allows classes/Master.php id SQL Injection.

  • Critical 9.8

    SourceCodester Computer Laboratory Management System 1.0 allows admin/category/view_category.php id SQL Injection.

  • Critical 9.8

    A SQL injection vulnerability in /smsa/teacher_login.php in Kashipara Responsive School Management System v1.0 allows a…

  • Critical 9.8

    Django SQL injection vulnerability

    An issue was discovered in Django 5.0 before 5.0.8 and 4.2 before 4.2.15. QuerySet.values() and values_list() methods on models with a JSONField are subject to SQL injection in column aliases via a crafted JSON object key as a passed *arg.