CWE-943: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Data Query Logic
The product generates a query intended to access or manipulate data in a data store such as a database, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that can modify the intended logic of the query.
How it's found
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Data Query Logic describes a general pattern rather than a single fixed bug. Testers use a mix of static analysis and manual code review to find where a target's code matches this pattern, then confirm exploitability by hand.
Depending on the capabilities of the query language, an attacker could inject additional logic into the query to: The ability to execute additional commands or change which entities are returned has obvious risks. But when the product logic depends on the order or number of entities, this can also lead to vulnerabilities. For example, if the query expects to return only one entity that specifies an administrative user, but an attacker can change which entities are returned, this could cause the logic to return information for a regular user and incorrectly assume that the user has administrative privileges. While this weakness is most commonly associated with SQL injection, there are many other query languages that are also subject to injection attacks, including HTSQL, LDAP, DQL, XQuery, Xpath, and "NoSQL" languages.Modify the intended selection criteria, thus changing which data entities (e.g., records) are returned, modified, or otherwise manipulated Append additional commands to the query Return more entities than intended Return fewer entities than intended Cause entities to be sorted in an unexpected way
Consequences
- Bypass Protection Mechanism, Read Application Data, Modify Application Data, Varies by Context
How TurboPentest tests for this (white-box)
This weakness (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Data Query Logic) is caught by white-box static analysis when you connect a GitHub repo: IntegSec's Opengrep SAST rule pack carries 2 rules for it, flagging the issue directly in your source code as part of the pentest.
Frequently asked questions
What is CWE-943?
The product generates a query intended to access or manipulate data in a data store such as a database, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that can modify the intended logic of the query.
How do you find Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Data Query Logic?
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Data Query Logic describes a general pattern rather than a single fixed bug. Testers use a mix of static analysis and manual code review to find where a target's code matches this pattern, then confirm exploitability by hand.
What is the impact of CWE-943?
Bypass Protection Mechanism, Read Application Data, Modify Application Data, Varies by Context
Does TurboPentest test for Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Data Query Logic?
This weakness (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Data Query Logic) is caught by white-box static analysis when you connect a GitHub repo: IntegSec's Opengrep SAST rule pack carries 2 rules for it, flagging the issue directly in your source code as part of the pentest.
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Written and reviewed by
Michel Chamberland - Founder & CEO, IntegSec
CISSP, OSCP, OSCE, CEH, GIAC, CCSK · 20+ years in offensive security
Michel has spent 20+ years on offensive security teams including IBM X-Force Red and Trustwave SpiderLabs, leading penetration tests, red team engagements, and breach response for Fortune 500 customers. He is the founder of IntegSec and the architect of TurboPentest.
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