CVE-2024-0342: Inis Project Inis SQLi Vulnerability

CVE-2024-0342 Overview

A critical SQL injection vulnerability has been identified in Inis CMS up to version 2.0.1. The vulnerability exists in an unknown function within the file /app/api/controller/default/Sqlite.php, where improper handling of the sql parameter allows attackers to inject malicious SQL commands. This flaw enables unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL queries against the underlying SQLite database, potentially leading to complete database compromise.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this SQL injection vulnerability to read, modify, or delete sensitive data from the database, potentially achieving full system compromise through database manipulation.

Affected Products

• Inis CMS versions up to and including 2.0.1
• inis_project inis (all versions through 2.0.1)

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-01-09 - CVE-2024-0342 published to NVD
• 2024-11-21 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-0342

Vulnerability Analysis

This SQL injection vulnerability affects the Inis content management system, specifically targeting the SQLite controller functionality. The vulnerable endpoint is located at /app/api/controller/default/Sqlite.php, which processes user-supplied input through the sql parameter without proper sanitization or parameterization.

The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious SQL syntax through the sql parameter. Since Inis uses SQLite as its database backend, successful exploitation could allow attackers to extract all stored content, user credentials, and configuration data. Additionally, SQLite-specific attack techniques could potentially be leveraged for file system access or other advanced exploitation scenarios.

The exploit has been publicly disclosed, increasing the risk of widespread exploitation against unpatched Inis installations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command).

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is the failure to properly sanitize or parameterize user-supplied input in the sql parameter before incorporating it into database queries. The Sqlite.php controller directly processes the sql parameter value without implementing prepared statements, input validation, or proper escaping mechanisms. This allows attackers to break out of the intended query context and execute arbitrary SQL commands.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based and requires no authentication or user interaction. An attacker can craft malicious HTTP requests targeting the vulnerable Sqlite.php endpoint, injecting SQL commands through the sql parameter. The attack can be executed remotely from any network location that can reach the target Inis installation.

Exploitation typically involves crafting requests that manipulate the SQL query structure, using techniques such as UNION-based injection to extract data, boolean-based blind injection for data enumeration, or time-based blind injection when direct output is not available. For detailed technical information, refer to the VulDB advisory and the original researcher notes.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-0342

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests to /app/api/controller/default/Sqlite.php containing SQL syntax in parameters
• Web server logs showing requests with SQL keywords (SELECT, UNION, INSERT, DROP, etc.) in the sql parameter
• Database errors or unexpected query execution patterns in application logs
• Unexplained data modifications or exfiltration from the SQLite database

Detection Strategies

• Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect SQL injection patterns in requests to the Inis application
• Monitor HTTP access logs for requests containing SQL injection payloads targeting the Sqlite.php endpoint
• Configure intrusion detection systems (IDS) with signatures for common SQL injection attack patterns
• Review application logs for database query errors that may indicate exploitation attempts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for all requests to the /app/api/controller/default/Sqlite.php endpoint
• Set up alerting for requests containing SQL metacharacters (single quotes, semicolons, UNION keywords) in URL parameters
• Monitor database activity for unusual query patterns or unauthorized data access
• Implement real-time log analysis to detect and respond to potential SQL injection attacks

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-0342

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade Inis CMS to a version newer than 2.0.1 if a patched version is available from the vendor
• If no patch is available, consider disabling or restricting access to the vulnerable Sqlite.php controller
• Implement a web application firewall (WAF) to filter malicious SQL injection attempts
• Restrict network access to the Inis administrative interface to trusted IP addresses only

Patch Information

At the time of this advisory, no official patch information has been provided by the vendor. Organizations should monitor the VulDB advisory for updates on available patches or vendor responses. Consider reaching out to the Inis project maintainers directly for remediation guidance.

Workarounds

• Deploy a WAF with SQL injection detection rules in front of the Inis application
• Restrict access to the /app/api/controller/default/Sqlite.php endpoint through web server configuration (e.g., IP whitelisting or authentication requirements)
• Consider temporarily disabling the vulnerable endpoint if the functionality is not critical
• Implement network segmentation to limit exposure of the Inis application

# Example Apache configuration to restrict access to vulnerable endpoint
<Location "/app/api/controller/default/Sqlite.php">
    Require ip 127.0.0.1
    Require ip 192.168.1.0/24
</Location>