CVE-2021-39179 SQL Injection in DHIS2 Tracker API

High 8.8 Published 29 Oct 2021 Updated 4 Aug 2024

Authenticated attackers can execute arbitrary SQL commands in DHIS2 Tracker API to read, edit, or delete data.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Any signed-in user
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2021-39179?

CVE-2021-39179 is a high-severity SQL injection vulnerability in dhis2-core, published on 29 Oct 2021. Any signed-in user can exploit it over the network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

DHIS 2 is an information system for data capture, management, validation, analytics and visualization. A SQL Injection vulnerability in the Tracker component in DHIS2 Server allows authenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors. This vulnerability affects the `/api/trackedEntityInstances` and `/api/trackedEntityInstances/query` API endpoints in all DHIS2 versions 2.34, 2.35, and 2.36. It also affects versions 2.32 and 2.33 which have reached _end of support_ - exceptional security updates have been added to the latest *end of support* builds for these versions. Versions 2.31 and older are unaffected. The system is vulnerable to attack only from users that are logged in to DHIS2, and there is no known way of exploiting the vulnerability without first being logged in as a DHIS2 user. The vulnerability is not exposed to a non-malicious user - the vulnerability requires a conscious attack to be exploited. A successful exploit of this vulnerability could allow the malicious user to read, edit and delete data in the DHIS2 instance. There are no known exploits of the security vulnerabilities addressed by these patch releases. Security patches are available in DHIS2 versions 2.32-EOS, 2.33-EOS, 2.34.7, 2.35.7, and 2.36.4. There is no straightforward known workaround for DHIS2 instances using the Tracker functionality other than upgrading the affected DHIS2 server to one of the patches in which this vulnerability has been fixed. For implementations which do NOT use Tracker functionality, it may be possible to block all network access to POST to the `/api/trackedEntityInstances`, and `/api/trackedEntityInstances/query` endpoints as a temporary workaround while waiting to upgrade.

Weakness: CWE-89

Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-39179?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Dhis2 Dhis 2.

How do I fix CVE-2021-39179?

No fix has been published for CVE-2021-39179 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Use parameterised queries everywhere and never build SQL by joining strings. Upgrade affected software first; a web application firewall only buys time. More about SQL injection.

Is CVE-2021-39179 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-39179 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-cmpc-frjv-rrmw.