Elgg SQL Injection Scanner

Elgg is a popular open-source social networking engine that is widely used by developers and organizations to build social networking applications and communities. It provides a robust framework and a wide range of features for building custom social environments that can cater to the specific needs of users. Elgg is flexible and extendable, allowing users to add or customize functionalities through plugins and modules. This makes it a preferred choice for developers aiming to create tailored social networking solutions. Due to its community-based features, Elgg is utilized by educational institutions, enterprises, and special interest groups worldwide. It facilitates an engaging platform for users to connect, collaborate, and share information.

SQL Injection (SQLi) is a vulnerability that occurs when a malicious attacker can manipulate a standard SQL query through input data from the client to the application. When the input data is not correctly sanitized, the attacker can execute arbitrary SQL code on the backend database. This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, database modification, or even the complete compromise of the application's data. Elgg version 5.1.4 is affected by this vulnerability, specifically in the 'sort_by[direction]' parameter, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code. The SQLi vulnerability poses significant risks, including data breaches and unauthorized data altering.

In the case of Elgg, the SQL Injection vulnerability specifically lies in the 'sort_by[direction]' parameter used in HTTP requests. An attacker can craft a malicious SQL query by manipulating this parameter to delay database responses through functions like 'sleep()' for timing-based inference. This vulnerability does not require user authentication, making it easily exploitable by a remote attacker. When engaging with the application's endpoint '/members?sort_by[direction]', the input is not adequately sanitized, allowing SQL commands to be injected. This could allow the attacker to manipulate SQL queries, bypassing access controls and potentially gaining access to sensitive data.

Exploitation of this SQL Injection vulnerability could lead to several severe consequences for organizations using Elgg. A successful attack may grant the attacker unauthorized access to sensitive data within the database, including user information, sensitive communications, or business records. Moreover, attackers might alter or delete data, affecting data integrity and leading to a potential collapse in the availability of important resources. The security breach might compromise user trust and lead to compliance violations, incurring legal consequences for mishandling personal data. Additionally, it can result in financial and reputational damages due to data leaks or service downtime stemming from database manipulations.

REFERENCES

• https://github.com/4rdr/proofs/blob/main/info/Elgg_unauth_SQLi_5.1.4.md
• https://github.com/Elgg/Elgg