CVE-2024-7076: Semtek Sempos SQL Injection Vulnerability

CVE-2024-7076 Overview

CVE-2024-7076 is a critical Blind SQL Injection vulnerability affecting Semtek Informatics Software Consulting Inc.'s Semtek Sempos point-of-sale software. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary SQL queries against the backend database without receiving direct query results. This blind injection technique enables attackers to exfiltrate sensitive data, modify database contents, or potentially compromise the entire underlying system.

Critical Impact

This network-accessible vulnerability requires no authentication or user interaction, enabling remote attackers to compromise database confidentiality and integrity in retail and point-of-sale environments.

Affected Products

• Semtek Sempos (all versions through 31072024)
• Semtekyazilim Semtek Sempos point-of-sale systems

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-09-04 - CVE CVE-2024-7076 published to NVD
• 2024-09-05 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-7076

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command). The flaw exists within the Semtek Sempos application where user-supplied input is incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. Since this is a Blind SQL Injection variant, the application does not directly return query results to the attacker, but the vulnerability can still be exploited through inference-based techniques.

Blind SQL Injection attacks typically leverage time-based or boolean-based techniques. In time-based attacks, the attacker injects SQL statements that cause deliberate delays (e.g., using SLEEP() or WAITFOR DELAY functions), inferring data based on response timing. Boolean-based attacks inject conditions that alter application behavior based on true/false evaluations, allowing character-by-character data extraction.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is the failure to implement proper input validation and parameterized queries within the Semtek Sempos application. User-controlled input is directly concatenated into SQL query strings rather than being passed through prepared statements or properly escaped. This architectural flaw allows malicious SQL syntax to be interpreted as part of the query structure rather than as literal data values.

Attack Vector

The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network without requiring authentication or user interaction. An attacker can craft malicious HTTP requests containing SQL injection payloads targeting vulnerable input fields or parameters within the Semtek Sempos application. The attack complexity is low, making it accessible to attackers with basic SQL injection knowledge and readily available automated tools.

The blind nature of this injection means attackers must use inference techniques to extract data, but this does not significantly impede exploitation—automated tools like SQLMap can effectively exploit blind SQL injection vulnerabilities to dump entire databases, bypass authentication, or execute system commands depending on the database configuration.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-7076

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual database query patterns with timing delays or conditional logic (e.g., SLEEP(), WAITFOR DELAY, IF() statements)
• HTTP requests containing SQL syntax characters such as single quotes, double dashes, UNION, SELECT, or OR 1=1 patterns
• Anomalous response time variations from the Semtek Sempos application indicating time-based blind injection attempts
• Database error logs showing malformed or unusual query structures

Detection Strategies

• Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block SQL injection attack patterns in HTTP requests
• Implement database activity monitoring to identify suspicious query patterns, especially those containing time delays or conditional logic
• Enable verbose logging on the Semtek Sempos application to capture and analyze incoming request parameters
• Configure intrusion detection systems (IDS) with SQL injection signature rules

Monitoring Recommendations

• Monitor application response times for anomalous delays that may indicate time-based SQL injection probing
• Audit database query logs for queries containing user-controlled input with SQL metacharacters
• Set up alerts for multiple failed or malformed database queries originating from the same source
• Review network traffic to Semtek Sempos systems for patterns consistent with automated SQL injection tools

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-7076

Immediate Actions Required

• Restrict network access to Semtek Sempos systems to trusted IP ranges only using firewall rules
• Place a Web Application Firewall (WAF) in front of the application to filter malicious SQL injection attempts
• Review and audit all input points within the Semtek Sempos application for potential injection vectors
• Implement network segmentation to isolate point-of-sale systems from other network resources

Patch Information

Organizations should consult the USOM Security Advisory for official guidance and updates from the Turkish National Cyber Incident Response Center. Contact Semtek Informatics Software Consulting Inc. directly to inquire about security patches or updated versions that address this vulnerability. Upgrade Semtek Sempos to versions released after 31072024 once patches become available.

Workarounds

• Implement strict input validation on all user-controlled parameters at the application perimeter
• Deploy database-level access controls to limit the permissions of the application's database user account
• Use stored procedures with parameterized inputs as an additional layer of defense if application modifications are possible
• Enable database audit logging to detect and respond to exploitation attempts

# Example: Restrict network access to Semtek Sempos application
# Configure firewall to allow only trusted IP ranges
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP