CVE-2024-50942 is a critical SQL injection vulnerability identified in qiwen-file version 1.4.0, specifically within the /mapper/NoticeMapper.xml component. The vulnerability arises from improper sanitization of user inputs in SQL queries, classified under CWE-89. An attacker can exploit this flaw remotely over the network without any authentication or user interaction, as indicated by the CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N). Successful exploitation allows the attacker to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the backend database, potentially leading to unauthorized data disclosure, data manipulation, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system, with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8, categorizing it as critical. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the simplicity of exploitation and the severity of impact make it a high-priority issue. The lack of available patches at the time of reporting increases the urgency for organizations to implement interim mitigations and monitor for suspicious activity. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices, particularly input validation and parameterized queries in database interactions.

The impact of CVE-2024-50942 is severe for organizations using qiwen-file v1.4.0. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, including personal, financial, or proprietary information, resulting in data breaches and regulatory penalties. Attackers can alter or delete critical data, undermining data integrity and trustworthiness. The vulnerability also enables attackers to disrupt service availability by executing destructive SQL commands, potentially causing denial of service. Given the unauthenticated, remote exploitability, attackers can compromise systems without needing credentials or user interaction, increasing the risk of widespread attacks. Organizations in sectors handling sensitive data or critical infrastructure may face significant operational and reputational damage. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high severity score indicates that exploitation attempts are likely to emerge rapidly.

To mitigate CVE-2024-50942, organizations should first check for and apply any official patches or updates from the qiwen-file maintainers as soon as they become available. In the absence of patches, implement strict input validation and sanitization on all user-supplied data, especially those interacting with the /mapper/NoticeMapper.xml component. Employ parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection. Restrict database permissions to the minimum necessary to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Monitor database logs and application behavior for unusual or suspicious queries indicative of injection attempts. Use web application firewalls (WAFs) with SQL injection detection rules tailored to the application’s query patterns. Conduct thorough code reviews and penetration testing focused on injection vulnerabilities. Finally, maintain an incident response plan to quickly address any exploitation attempts.