CVE-2024-7071: Brain Low-code SQL Injection Vulnerability

CVE-2024-7071 Overview

CVE-2024-7071 is a SQL injection vulnerability affecting Brain Low-Code, a product developed by Brain Information Technologies Inc. The flaw exists in versions prior to 2.1.0 and stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands [CWE-89]. The vulnerability is associated with Hibernate-based query handling within the application. Attackers can exploit this issue remotely over the network without authentication or user interaction. Successful exploitation allows arbitrary SQL command execution against the backend database, exposing confidential data and enabling integrity and availability compromises.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated remote attackers can inject SQL commands to read, modify, or destroy database contents in Brain Low-Code deployments running versions before 2.1.0.

Affected Products

• Brain Information Technologies Inc. Brain Low-Code (all versions before 2.1.0)
• Applications built on the Brain Low-Code platform using vulnerable Hibernate query interfaces
• Deployments exposing Brain Low-Code interfaces to untrusted networks

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-08-27 - CVE-2024-7071 published to NVD
• 2024-08-30 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-7071

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in how Brain Low-Code processes user-supplied input passed to Hibernate-mediated SQL queries. The application fails to neutralize special characters before incorporating input into query strings. This permits attackers to alter the structure of generated SQL statements. The classification under [CWE-89] confirms the root issue as improper input sanitization at the query construction layer. Exploitation requires only network access to the application interface. No privileges or user interaction are needed to trigger the flaw. Once injected, attacker-controlled SQL executes with the database privileges held by the application service account.

Root Cause

The root cause is the direct concatenation or improper binding of untrusted input into Hibernate query strings rather than the use of parameterized queries or strict input validation. When the framework processes attacker-controlled values, the injected SQL fragments are interpreted as part of the original statement. This breaks the separation between code and data that parameterized queries enforce.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based and unauthenticated. An attacker submits crafted input through exposed application endpoints, such as form fields, query parameters, or API request bodies, that feed into Hibernate queries. The injected payloads modify query logic to extract sensitive records, bypass authentication checks, or alter stored data. Because no real code examples or public proof-of-concept exploits have been published for this CVE, defenders should reference the USOM Security Notification for vendor-coordinated technical context.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-7071

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected SQL error messages or Hibernate stack traces returned in HTTP responses from Brain Low-Code endpoints
• Anomalous database query patterns containing UNION, SELECT, OR 1=1, or boolean-blind payloads in application logs
• Outbound database queries originating from the Brain Low-Code service account that access tables outside normal application scope
• Sudden bulk data reads or schema enumeration queries (information_schema, pg_catalog) from the application database user

Detection Strategies

• Inspect web server and application logs for HTTP requests containing SQL metacharacters (', --, ;, /*) targeting Brain Low-Code endpoints
• Deploy a web application firewall with SQL injection signatures tuned for Hibernate and HQL syntax
• Enable database query auditing to flag statements that deviate from the application's known query templates
• Correlate authentication anomalies with elevated query volume from the application's database session

Monitoring Recommendations

• Monitor Brain Low-Code application logs for Hibernate QuerySyntaxException or SQLGrammarException events that may indicate injection probing
• Alert on database service accounts executing administrative statements such as DROP, ALTER, or CREATE USER
• Track request rates and payload sizes on parameterized endpoints to identify automated injection scanning

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-7071

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade Brain Low-Code to version 2.1.0 or later, which addresses the SQL injection flaw
• Restrict network access to Brain Low-Code interfaces to trusted users and management networks until patching is complete
• Review database accounts used by the application and enforce least-privilege permissions
• Audit application and database logs for indicators of prior exploitation attempts

Patch Information

The vendor resolved the vulnerability in Brain Low-Code version 2.1.0. Administrators should upgrade all instances to this version or later. Refer to the USOM Security Notification for the official advisory and remediation guidance.

Workarounds

• Place Brain Low-Code behind a web application firewall configured with SQL injection rule sets
• Implement strict input validation and allow-lists at any reverse proxy or API gateway in front of the application
• Revoke unnecessary database privileges from the application service account to limit blast radius of any injection
• Disable or restrict exposed endpoints that accept dynamic query parameters until the upgrade is completed

# Configuration example: restrict Brain Low-Code access via firewall rules
# Allow only trusted management network to reach the application port
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8080 -s 10.0.0.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8080 -j DROP

# Enforce least privilege on the application database account (PostgreSQL example)
REVOKE ALL ON SCHEMA public FROM brainlowcode_app;
GRANT SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE ON ALL TABLES IN SCHEMA public TO brainlowcode_app;