CVE-2024-29825

What it actually does

This is a high-severity SQL injection flaw in a core server component that allows an unauthenticated attacker with same-network or adjacent-network access to manipulate backend SQL queries. Because the vulnerable component can be used to reach code execution paths, successful exploitation can progress beyond data access into arbitrary code execution in the context of the affected server or its database/application service account. The impact includes unauthorized database reads and writes, authentication or authorization bypass depending on application logic, command execution, service disruption, and potential full compromise of the server.

Why it matters to the business

A successful attack could allow an internal or network-adjacent attacker to take control of a management or application server, steal sensitive data, alter records, disrupt operations, and use the compromised system as a foothold for lateral movement. The CVSS score is critical and the EPSS score is extremely high, indicating strong likelihood of exploitation activity even though it is not currently listed in CISA KEV. Because the issue affects a core server function and does not require credentials or user interaction, exposed deployments should be treated as urgent remediation priorities.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker first gains network reachability to the affected server, typically from the same internal network segment, VPN, compromised workstation, or other adjacent position. The attacker then identifies the vulnerable service and sends crafted input containing SQL syntax to a vulnerable request parameter or API field. The backend server incorporates that input into a SQL query without proper parameterization, allowing the attacker to alter query logic. Initial exploitation may be used to enumerate database structure, extract credentials or tokens, modify application data, or create privileged records. Where database features, stored procedures, application workflows, or service account privileges permit it, the attacker can pivot from SQL control to arbitrary command or code execution on the server. After code execution, the attacker may deploy web shells or tooling, establish persistence, dump secrets, move laterally, and interfere with service availability.

How to fix it

Upgrade affected software to a fixed version immediately. The provided fixed-version metadata indicates cainor/calendarinho should be updated to commit 15b2393efd69101727d27a4e710880ce46e84d70 or later. Where the vulnerable deployment corresponds to Ivanti EPM Core server, ensure the affected Core server is upgraded beyond Ivanti EPM 2022 SU5 and prior according to vendor guidance. If immediate patching is not possible, restrict access to the affected service to trusted administrative networks only, block untrusted same-network access, enforce segmentation around management servers, monitor and filter suspicious SQL metacharacters at reverse proxies or WAFs where feasible, disable unnecessary database features that permit command execution, rotate credentials that may be stored in or accessible through the application, and review database/service account privileges for least privilege.

How to confirm the fix worked

Confirm installed versions and build identifiers on all affected instances and verify that the deployed code includes the fixed commit 15b2393efd69101727d27a4e710880ce46e84d70 or a later vendor-fixed release. Validate that the affected service is not reachable from untrusted network segments and that only authorized administrative hosts can connect. In a controlled test environment, use safe SQL injection probes to confirm that crafted input is parameterized and does not alter query behavior, trigger SQL errors, or create measurable timing differences. Review application, web, database, and operating system logs for attempted exploitation before and after patching. Re-run authenticated vulnerability scans or vendor-recommended checks after remediation and document the resolved version.

Typical attack path

1. Obtain same-network or adjacent-network access to the affected server.
2. Discover the vulnerable core server service through network scanning, service banners, or application probing.
3. Send crafted requests containing SQL metacharacters or query-control payloads to a vulnerable parameter or API field.
4. Confirm SQL injection through changed responses, database errors, timing behavior, or out-of-band callbacks.
5. Enumerate database tables, users, privileges, and application configuration.
6. Use SQL injection to read or modify sensitive records, credentials, tokens, or administrative settings.
7. Leverage database or application execution paths to run arbitrary commands or code on the server.
8. Establish persistence, collect secrets, move laterally, or disrupt affected services.

How to detect it

To determine whether exploitation already occurred, review web/application access logs, reverse proxy logs, database audit logs, EDR telemetry, Windows Event Logs or Linux system logs, and network security logs for SQL injection patterns and suspicious post-exploitation behavior. Look for requests containing SQL control characters, stacked queries, UNION-based extraction, time-delay functions, comment markers, encoded SQL syntax, and abnormal request parameters followed by database errors or timing anomalies. In database logs, look for unexpected schema enumeration, access to credential or configuration tables, creation of new users, changes to privilege tables, use of dangerous stored procedures, or attempts to execute operating system commands from SQL. On the server, investigate unexpected child processes spawned by the web/application service or database service, new scheduled tasks or services, new executable files in application directories or temporary paths, unusual outbound connections, credential dumping tools, and unexplained administrative account changes. Because the input does not provide a known vulnerable endpoint or exploit artifact, detections should combine generic SQL injection telemetry with server-side evidence of code execution.

• UNION SELECT
• UNION ALL SELECT
• ' OR '1'='1
• " OR "1"="1
• OR 1=1
• WAITFOR DELAY
• SLEEP(
• BENCHMARK(
• INFORMATION_SCHEMA
• sys.objects
• sys.databases
• xp_cmdshell
• sp_configure
• EXEC master..xp_cmdshell
• ;--
• '--
• /*
• */
• %27%20OR%20%271%27%3D%271
• %55%4e%49%4f%4e%20%53%45%4c%45%43%54
• sqlmap
• SQL syntax
• ODBC SQL Server Driver
• Microsoft SQL Server Native Client
• You have an error in your SQL syntax

What your security team should do

• Treat this as urgent because it is unauthenticated, critical severity, network-adjacent exploitable, and has an extremely high EPSS score.
• Inventory all instances of the affected product or component, including development, staging, and internally exposed management servers.
• Patch or upgrade to the fixed release or commit immediately, prioritizing systems reachable from user, VPN, workstation, or shared server networks.
• Restrict access to the affected service using network segmentation, firewalls, ACLs, or VPN policy until remediation is complete.
• Hunt for historical SQL injection attempts, database errors, suspicious command execution, and unexpected child processes spawned by application or database services.
• Rotate application, database, and service credentials if exploitation is suspected or if sensitive secrets may have been stored in the affected database.
• Review database privileges and remove capabilities that allow command execution or excessive access from the application service account.
• Increase monitoring on affected servers for lateral movement, persistence, suspicious outbound connections, and unauthorized administrative changes.