CVE-2022-42121: Com.liferay.layout.page.template.service SQL Injection Vulnerability

HIGH
Advisory Identifier: GHSA-gxxj-fhmr-37j9
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CVSS 8.8
CWE-89
Published
Advisory Summary

CVE-2022-42121 is a HIGH (CVSS 8.8) sql injection vulnerability (CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection')) affecting Com.liferay.layout.page.template.service libraries in the Maven ecosystem. The issue involves liferay portal and liferay dxp vulnerable to sql injection via the layout module. Remediation is available by upgrading affected packages to version 4.0.17, 7.1.10.fp27, 7.2.10.fp17.

CVE-2022-42121 at a Glance

CVE Identifier CVE-2022-42121
GHSA Identifier GHSA-gxxj-fhmr-37j9
Severity HIGH
CVSS v3.1 Base Score 8.8
CWE Classification CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection')
Affected Product Com.liferay.layout.page.template.service
Package Ecosystem Maven
Published Date
Last Updated

Security Impact

CVSS: 8.8

The security impact metrics below are parsed directly from the CVSS v3.1 vector string (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).

Attack Vector Network (AV:N)
Attack Complexity Low (AC:L)
Privileges Required Low (PR:L)
User Interaction None (UI:N)
Scope Unchanged (S:U)
Confidentiality High (C:H)
Integrity High (I:H)
Availability High (A:H)

How to Fix CVE-2022-42121

To remediate this vulnerability, upgrade all affected Com.liferay.layout.page.template.service dependencies to a patched release. Both direct and transitive dependencies should be checked, as frameworks or security libraries may pull in vulnerable versions transitively.

com.liferay:com.liferay.layout.page.template.service fixed: 4.0.17 
<dependency>
    <groupId>com.liferay</groupId>
    <artifactId>com.liferay.layout.page.template.service</artifactId>
    <version>4.0.17</version>
</dependency>
com.liferay.portal:release.dxp.bom fixed: 7.1.10.fp27 
<dependency>
    <groupId>com.liferay.portal</groupId>
    <artifactId>release.dxp.bom</artifactId>
    <version>7.1.10.fp27</version>
</dependency>
com.liferay.portal:release.dxp.bom fixed: 7.2.10.fp17 
<dependency>
    <groupId>com.liferay.portal</groupId>
    <artifactId>release.dxp.bom</artifactId>
    <version>7.2.10.fp17</version>
</dependency>
Verify Direct and Transitive Dependencies

Run the following command in your project directory to verify that all resolved dependencies use the patched release: 

mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=com.liferay

How to Check if You Are Affected

To determine whether your Java application is affected by CVE-2022-42121, inspect your build dependencies using the Maven Dependency Plugin:

mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=com.liferay

Analyze the terminal output to locate any version of Com.liferay.layout.page.template.service in your dependency tree. If any resolved version matches the vulnerable ranges listed in the table below (for example, versions earlier than 4.0.17), your application is affected.

Note: The mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=com.liferay command inspects the resolved dependency graph declared in your project's POM files; it does not perform automated security scanning or inspect runtime dynamic classpaths. Always verify runtime container classpaths and shaded JARs.

Technical Details

Vulnerability Mechanism & Technical Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection'), where the product constructs all or part of an sql command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended sql command when it is sent to a downstream component. without sufficient removal or quoting of sql syntax in user-controllable inputs, the generated sql query can cause those inputs to be interpreted as sql instead of ordinary user data. In Com.liferay.layout.page.template.service, software state validation or input boundaries are circumvented during processing. Review the official source advisory statement below for specific affected components, classes, and reproduction details.

Source Advisory Statement

A SQL injection vulnerability in the Layout module before 4.0.17 from Liferay Portal (7.1.3 through 7.4.3.4), and Liferay DXP 7.1 before fix pack 27, 7.2 before fix pack 17, 7.3 before service pack 3, and 7.4 GA allows remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via a crafted payload injected into a page template's 'Name' field.

CVE-2022-42121 Affected Com.liferay.layout.page.template.service Versions

3 component(s)
Fixed Versions:
4.0.177.1.10.fp277.2.10.fp17
Product / Package Ecosystem Affected Versions Fixed Version
com.liferay:com.liferay.layout.page.template.service
maven/com.liferay/com.liferay.layout.page.template.service
Maven
< 4.0.17
4.0.17
com.liferay.portal:release.dxp.bom
maven/com.liferay.portal/release.dxp.bom
Maven
≥ 7.1.0
< 7.1.10.fp27
7.1.10.fp27
com.liferay.portal:release.dxp.bom
maven/com.liferay.portal/release.dxp.bom
Maven
≥ 7.2.0
< 7.2.10.fp17
7.2.10.fp17

References

NVD — CVE-2022-42121 NVD
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-42121
Security Fix Commit FIX COMMIT
https://github.com/liferay/liferay-portal/commit/14c8fbbac814c0b511b4f3ade19eafb2182923c7
Security Fix Commit FIX COMMIT
https://github.com/liferay/liferay-portal/commit/5a17acb714c57e36695b7caff8e6a2789e2cf9d0
Security Fix Commit FIX COMMIT
https://github.com/liferay/liferay-portal/commit/82de94e9f3a4425e3ee6c187462d670ae9bfef51
Security Fix Commit FIX COMMIT
https://github.com/liferay/liferay-portal/commit/f245f4b428186c8e5964a9ffe90ccc7e12cf7f66
Com.liferay.layout.page.template.service Source Repository REPOSITORY
https://github.com/liferay/liferay-portal
issues.liferay.com/browse/lpe-17414 WEB
https://issues.liferay.com/browse/LPE-17414
Com.liferay.layout.page.template.service Security Information SECURITY
https://liferay.dev/portal/security/known-vulnerabilities/-/asset_publisher/jekt/content/cve-2022-42121?p_r_p_assetEntryId=121613426&_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_jekt_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fliferay.dev%3A443%2Fportal%2Fsecurity%2Fknown-vulnerabilities%3Fp_p_id%3Dcom_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_jekt%26p_p_lifecycle%3D0%26p_p_state%3Dnormal%26p_p_mode%3Dview%26p_r_p_assetEntryId%3D121613426%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_jekt_cur%3D0%26p_r_p_resetCur%3Dfalse
liferay.com WEB
http://liferay.com
Com.liferay.layout.page.template.service Security Information SECURITY
https://portal.liferay.dev/learn/security/known-vulnerabilities/-/asset_publisher/HbL5mxmVrnXW/content/cve-2022-42121

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2022-42121?
CVE-2022-42121 is a security vulnerability in Com.liferay.layout.page.template.service involving Liferay Portal and Liferay DXP Vulnerable to SQL Injection via the Layout Module under CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection').
Which Com.liferay.layout.page.template.service versions are affected?
Affected versions include releases prior to 4.0.17, 7.1.10.fp27, 7.2.10.fp17 across affected packages: com.liferay:com.liferay.layout.page.template.service, com.liferay.portal:release.dxp.bom.
What version fixes CVE-2022-42121?
Upgrading to 4.0.17, 7.1.10.fp27, 7.2.10.fp17 (or the latest patched release for your respective branch) resolves the vulnerability.
Is com.liferay.layout.page.template.service affected?
Yes, com.liferay:com.liferay.layout.page.template.service is affected in releases prior to 4.0.17. Upgrade your dependency to 4.0.17 or later.
Is release.dxp.bom affected?
Yes, com.liferay.portal:release.dxp.bom is affected in releases prior to 7.1.10.fp27, 7.2.10.fp17. Upgrade your dependency to 7.1.10.fp27, 7.2.10.fp17 or later.
What is the CVSS score of CVE-2022-42121?
CVE-2022-42121 has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.8 (HIGH) with vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.
What CWE is associated with CVE-2022-42121?
CVE-2022-42121 is classified under CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') (The product constructs all or part of an SQL command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended SQL command when it is sent to a downstream component. Without sufficient removal or quoting of SQL syntax in user-controllable inputs, the generated SQL query can cause those inputs to be interpreted as SQL instead of ordinary user data.).
How can I check Maven dependencies for CVE-2022-42121?
Run the dependency tree command: 'mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=com.liferay'. This command lists direct and transitive dependencies in your build configuration so you can verify if a vulnerable version is resolved.
Machine-readable OSV JSON OSV v1.5 Schema
Normalized schema output
View Raw JSON 
{
  "schema_version" : "1.4.0",
  "id" : "GHSA-gxxj-fhmr-37j9",
  "modified" : "2025-09-05T19:04:12Z",
  "published" : "2022-11-15T12:00:16Z",
  "aliases" : [ "CVE-2022-42121" ],
  "summary" : "Liferay Portal and Liferay DXP Vulnerable to SQL Injection via the Layout Module",
  "details" : "A SQL injection vulnerability in the Layout module before 4.0.17 from Liferay Portal (7.1.3 through 7.4.3.4), and Liferay DXP 7.1 before fix pack 27, 7.2 before fix pack 17, 7.3 before service pack 3, and 7.4 GA allows remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via a crafted payload injected into a page template's 'Name' field.",
  "severity" : [ {
    "type" : "CVSS_V3",
    "score" : "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H"
  } ],
  "affected" : [ {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "com.liferay:com.liferay.layout.page.template.service"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "0"
      }, {
        "fixed" : "4.0.17"
      } ]
    } ]
  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "com.liferay.portal:release.dxp.bom"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "7.1.0"
      }, {
        "fixed" : "7.1.10.fp27"
      } ]
    } ]
  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "com.liferay.portal:release.dxp.bom"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "7.2.0"
      }, {
        "fixed" : "7.2.10.fp17"
      } ]
    } ]
  } ],
  "references" : [ {
    "type" : "ADVISORY",
    "url" : "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-42121"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://github.com/liferay/liferay-portal/commit/14c8fbbac814c0b511b4f3ade19eafb2182923c7"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://github.com/liferay/liferay-portal/commit/5a17acb714c57e36695b7caff8e6a2789e2cf9d0"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://github.com/liferay/liferay-portal/commit/82de94e9f3a4425e3ee6c187462d670ae9bfef51"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://github.com/liferay/liferay-portal/commit/f245f4b428186c8e5964a9ffe90ccc7e12cf7f66"
  }, {
    "type" : "PACKAGE",
    "url" : "https://github.com/liferay/liferay-portal"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://issues.liferay.com/browse/LPE-17414"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://liferay.dev/portal/security/known-vulnerabilities/-/asset_publisher/jekt/content/cve-2022-42121?p_r_p_assetEntryId=121613426&_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_jekt_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fliferay.dev%3A443%2Fportal%2Fsecurity%2Fknown-vulnerabilities%3Fp_p_id%3Dcom_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_jekt%26p_p_lifecycle%3D0%26p_p_state%3Dnormal%26p_p_mode%3Dview%26p_r_p_assetEntryId%3D121613426%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_jekt_cur%3D0%26p_r_p_resetCur%3Dfalse"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://portal.liferay.dev/learn/security/known-vulnerabilities/-/asset_publisher/HbL5mxmVrnXW/content/cve-2022-42121"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "http://liferay.com"
  } ],
  "database_specific" : {
    "cwe_ids" : [ "CWE-89" ],
    "severity" : "HIGH",
    "github_reviewed" : true,
    "github_reviewed_at" : "2025-08-08T21:12:04Z",
    "nvd_published_at" : "2022-11-15T01:15:00Z"
  }
}