Platform
ruby
Component
activerecord
Fixed in
2.3.13
CVE-2011-2930 describes multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities within the ActiveRecord adapters of Ruby on Rails. These flaws arise from improper handling of column names within the quotetablename method, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code. This can lead to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability impacts versions of Ruby on Rails prior to 2.3.13, 3.0.x before 3.0.10, and 3.1.x before 3.1.0.rc5, and a fix is available in the specified patched versions.
Successful exploitation of CVE-2011-2930 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the database backend. This could lead to a complete compromise of the application's data, including sensitive user information, financial records, and proprietary business data. An attacker could potentially bypass authentication mechanisms, escalate privileges, and gain full control over the database server. The impact is particularly severe in environments where the application handles sensitive data or interacts with critical business processes. The ability to inject SQL commands opens the door to a wide range of malicious activities, including data exfiltration, modification, and deletion, as well as denial-of-service attacks.
CVE-2011-2930 was publicly disclosed in 2017, although the vulnerability itself dates back to 2011. While no active exploitation campaigns have been definitively linked to this specific CVE, the general class of SQL injection vulnerabilities remains a significant threat. The vulnerability is not currently listed on CISA KEV. Public proof-of-concept exploits are available, demonstrating the ease with which the vulnerability can be exploited. The NVD was published on 2017-10-24.
Exploit Status
EPSS
0.95% (76% percentile)
The primary mitigation for CVE-2011-2930 is to upgrade to a patched version of Ruby on Rails (2.3.13 or later, 3.0.10 or later, 3.1.0.rc5 or later). If upgrading immediately is not feasible, consider implementing temporary workarounds such as input validation and sanitization to prevent malicious column names from being processed. Web application firewalls (WAFs) configured to detect and block SQL injection attempts can also provide a layer of protection. Carefully review and sanitize any user-supplied input that is used in database queries. After upgrading, confirm the fix by attempting to inject a simple SQL command through a vulnerable endpoint and verifying that it is properly sanitized and does not execute.
No official patch available. Check for workarounds or monitor for updates.
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CVE-2011-2930 is a SQL injection vulnerability in Ruby on Rails ActiveRecord adapters, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via crafted column names in vulnerable versions.
You are affected if you are using Ruby on Rails versions 2.3.9.pre and below, 3.0.x before 3.0.10, or 3.1.x before 3.1.0.rc5.
Upgrade to a patched version of Ruby on Rails: 2.3.13 or later, 3.0.10 or later, or 3.1.0.rc5 or later. Implement input validation as a temporary workaround.
While no active campaigns are definitively linked, SQL injection vulnerabilities are a persistent threat, and public exploits exist.
Refer to the Ruby on Rails security advisories and the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) for detailed information: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2011-2930
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