CVE-2025-32020 Overview
CVE-2025-32020 is a critical SQL injection vulnerability affecting the crud-query-parser library, a component that parses query parameters from HTTP requests and converts them to database queries. The vulnerability exists due to improper neutralization of the order/sort parameter in the TypeORM adapter, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code into database queries.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this SQL injection vulnerability to access or modify sensitive data in the underlying database, potentially leading to complete database compromise.
Affected Products
- crud-query-parser versions prior to 0.1.0
- Applications using the TypeORM adapter with ordering enabled
- Deployments without property filter configuration
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-04-08 - CVE-2025-32020 published to NVD
- 2025-04-08 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-32020
Vulnerability Analysis
This SQL injection vulnerability (CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command) exists in the TypeORM adapter component of the crud-query-parser library. The vulnerability arises when user-controlled input in the order or sort query parameters is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into database queries.
Applications are vulnerable when three conditions are met: they use the TypeORM adapter, have ordering functionality enabled, and have not implemented a property filter to restrict which fields can be used for sorting. When these conditions exist, an attacker can craft malicious HTTP requests containing SQL injection payloads in the ordering parameters.
The attack is network-accessible and requires no authentication or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for internet-facing applications. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to read sensitive database contents, modify or delete data, or potentially escalate to further system compromise depending on the database configuration and privileges.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper input validation and sanitization in the TypeORM adapter's handling of ordering parameters. The order/sort parameter values from HTTP requests are passed to database query construction without adequate neutralization of SQL special characters and syntax. This allows attackers to break out of the intended query context and inject arbitrary SQL commands.
Attack Vector
The vulnerability is exploitable via crafted HTTP requests to any endpoint that uses the crud-query-parser library with the TypeORM adapter. An attacker can manipulate the order or sort query parameters to include SQL injection payloads. Since this is a network-based attack requiring no privileges or user interaction, any unauthenticated remote attacker can potentially exploit vulnerable deployments.
The attack targets the ordering clause of generated SQL queries, where injected content can be used to extract data through techniques such as error-based injection, UNION-based injection, or blind SQL injection depending on the application's error handling and response behavior.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-32020
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual or malformed values in order or sort query parameters containing SQL syntax such as semicolons, quotes, UNION statements, or comment markers
- Database error messages in application logs indicating SQL syntax errors from ordering operations
- Unexpected database queries or data access patterns in database audit logs
- HTTP requests with anomalous query strings targeting sorting functionality
Detection Strategies
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect SQL injection patterns in query parameters
- Enable database query logging and monitor for suspicious ORDER BY clauses or syntax anomalies
- Deploy runtime application self-protection (RASP) solutions to detect SQL injection attempts
- Review application logs for repeated requests with varying order/sort parameter values indicative of injection testing
Monitoring Recommendations
- Configure alerting for database errors related to malformed SQL queries in ordering operations
- Monitor for high volumes of requests to endpoints using the crud-query-parser library
- Implement anomaly detection for unusual query parameter patterns
- Enable verbose logging on TypeORM to capture generated queries for forensic analysis
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-32020
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade crud-query-parser to version 0.1.0 or later immediately
- Implement a property filter to restrict which fields can be used for ordering operations
- Consider temporarily disabling ordering functionality if immediate patching is not possible
- Review database access logs for signs of prior exploitation
Patch Information
The vulnerability has been fixed in crud-query-parser version 0.1.0. Organizations should upgrade to this version or later to remediate the vulnerability. For more details, see the GitHub Security Advisory.
Workarounds
- Configure a property filter to explicitly define allowed sorting fields, blocking arbitrary column names in order parameters
- Disable ordering functionality entirely until the patch can be applied
- Implement additional input validation at the application layer to sanitize order/sort parameters before they reach the library
- Deploy a web application firewall with SQL injection detection rules as a defense-in-depth measure
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
