External risk intelligence

webTareas SQL Injection Vulnerability in deleteapprovalstages.php

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.8)

CVE-2022-44290

webTareas is a web-based application designed for project management. As a web application, it is commonly deployed as an internet-facing service or an internally accessible web interface, making the vulnerability in its web parameters reachable via standard HTTP/HTTPS network access.

SQL Injection

Webtareas Project Webtareas

2.4

Halo Surface Signal: 4 out of 5 — likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A critical vulnerability has been identified in the webTareas application, specifically within its `deleteapprovalstages.php` function. This issue, a SQL injection flaw, allows unauthorized access and manipulation of the application's database, potentially impacting the integrity and confidentiality of stored information. The primary concern is confirming the relevance and exposure of this application within our environment.

The issue allows unauthorized database access.
It affects web-based project management tools.
Confirm relevance and exposure of the tool.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted requests to a web server running the vulnerable application. Since no authentication is required, an unauthenticated attacker can directly access the `deleteapprovalstages.php` script. By manipulating the `id` parameter with malicious SQL code, the attacker can interfere with the application's database, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion.

No authentication needed to access.
Triggered by manipulating the `id` parameter.
Leads to unauthorized data access and control.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A SQL injection vulnerability in the `deleteapprovalstages.php` script could allow an unauthenticated attacker to manipulate the application's database. When supported by the advisory, this could affect system data and service behavior by enabling unauthorized data modification or disclosure.

Affects database and service integrity.
Via network requests to the `id` parameter.
Could lead to unauthorized data access.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

The webTareas application's SQL injection vulnerability requires immediate attention from teams responsible for its infrastructure and operation. The first practical step involves identifying all instances of webTareas, assessing their exposure and business criticality, and locating the accountable application or infrastructure owner. Remediation planning should then proceed based on this risk assessment, potentially involving vendor coordination or temporary risk mitigation strategies if direct patching is not immediately feasible.

Application or infrastructure team owns resolution.
Verify application reachability and criticality first.
Plan remediation based on assessed risk.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

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Frequently asked questions

What is webTareas?

webTareas is a web-based application designed for project management. It provides a digital workspace for teams to track tasks, organize workflows, and manage project lifecycles. Because it is a web application, it is typically hosted on a server and accessed by users through a web browser to coordinate collaborative work.

How does this SQL injection vulnerability work?

This flaw belongs to the CWE-89 weakness class, which happens when software fails to properly filter user input before using it in a database query. In this case, the `id` parameter in the `deleteapprovalstages.php` script is not adequately secured. This allows an attacker to inject their own malicious database commands, which the system then executes as if they were legitimate instructions.

Do I need to be logged in to trigger this bug?

No. The vulnerability does not require authentication to be exploited. An attacker can reach the vulnerable script directly over the network. It is important to note that simply visiting the application or using its standard interface features without specifically sending a crafted request to the `id` parameter does not trigger the flaw.

Why is this CVE considered relevant to my environment?

According to Halo Surface Signal, webTareas is frequently deployed as either an internet-facing service or an internal web interface. Because the vulnerability is reachable through standard network requests, any instance of the application that can receive traffic over HTTP or HTTPS is a potential point of entry for an attacker.

When should I prioritize responding to this?

You should act as soon as you identify any instances of webTareas in your infrastructure. Start by locating all installations and determining who is responsible for managing them. Assess the business criticality of those specific systems, then work with the application owners to plan remediation, such as applying updates or implementing temporary controls to restrict network access.

References

github.com/anhdq201/webtareas/issues/2

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.