Description

Improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command ('SQL injection') vulnerability in Apache Syncope. An administrator with adequate entitlements can achieve execution of arbitrary SQL via stacked queries, leveraging unsanitized sort clauses for Task search. This issue affects Apache Syncope: from 3.0.0-M0 through 3.0.16, from 4.0.0-M0 through 4.0.7, from 4.1.0-M0 through 4.1.2. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 4.0.8 / 4.1.3, which fix this issue.

Executive Summary

Technical Details

Mitigations

References

Additional Metadata

{
  "score": "9.8",
  "pubDate": "2026-09-14T11:17:05.123Z",
  "pubdate": "2026-09-14T11:17:05.123Z",
  "executiveSummary": "This vulnerability is classified as an Improper Neutralization of Special Elements Used in an SQL Command, commonly known as SQL Injection (SQLi), specifically utilizing stacked queries.\nThe vulnerability resides within Apache Syncope, affecting versions 3.0.0-M0 through 3.0.16, 4.0.0-M0 through 4.0.7, and 4.1.0-M0 through 4.1.2.\nThe flaw allows an authenticated administrator with adequate entitlements to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the backend database by manipulating unsanitized sort parameters during Task search operations.\nThe risk implication is critical, as successful exploitation enables full database compromise, data exfiltration, modification of administrative records, or complete system takeover depending on the database service permissions.\nThe attack requires the adversary to possess existing administrative privileges within the Syncope management console to reach the vulnerable endpoint.\nThe recommended course of action is to upgrade to version 4.0.8 or 4.1.3 immediately to incorporate the necessary sanitization logic for sorting clauses.",
  "technicalDetails": "The vulnerability originates from improper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied sort clauses within the Task search functionality of Apache Syncope. When an administrator performs a search for tasks, the application dynamically constructs SQL queries based on the provided sorting criteria.\nThe root cause is the inclusion of unsanitized input into the query construction process. Because the application fails to properly neutralize special characters or validate the structure of the sort clause against a strict allowlist, the underlying database driver may interpret malicious input as executable SQL commands.\nThe vulnerability facilitates stacked queries, which is a significant escalation of the impact of traditional SQL injection. In environments where the database driver and configuration support multiple statements in a single call (e.g., terminated by a semicolon), an attacker can append arbitrary malicious SQL commands to the original legitimate query.\nThe exploitation flow begins when an attacker identifies the Task search interface as an injection vector. The attacker submits a crafted HTTP request containing an embedded malicious SQL payload within the sort parameter. For example, if the expected parameter is 'sort=taskName', the attacker injects a string such as 'sort=taskName; DROP TABLE users;--'.\nUpon receipt, the application component responsible for processing search parameters fails to escape the input, passing the concatenated query string directly to the database engine. The database subsequently parses and executes both the original search query and the appended unauthorized statement.\nBecause the vulnerability necessitates 'adequate entitlements', the attacker must first authenticate as an administrator. Once access is gained, the lack of parameterization or strict enforcement of sorting criteria allows the administrator to perform operations outside the scope of intended administrative tasks, including unauthorized data modification, schema manipulation, or access to sensitive configuration tables stored within the underlying database.\nThis SQL injection vulnerability persists across all major branches mentioned, specifically affecting versions 3.0.0-M0 to 3.0.16, 4.0.0-M0 to 4.0.7, and 4.1.0-M0 to 4.1.2. The lack of robust input neutralization throughout these versions indicates a structural deficiency in how sorting parameters are handled across the Task management module."
}