CVE-2017-13669 in NexusPHP
Summary
by MITRE
SQL Injection exists in NexusPHP 1.5.beta5.20120707 via the setanswered parameter to staffbox.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13669 represents a critical sql injection flaw within NexusPHP version 1.5.beta5.20120707, specifically affecting the staffbox.php script through the setanswered parameter. This vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a severe security flaw that allows attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against the database backend. The affected application appears to be a torrent management system that handles user interactions and staff operations through web interfaces, making it a prime target for database exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the staffbox.php script. When the setanswered parameter is processed without proper sql escaping or parameterized queries, malicious actors can inject sql payloads that bypass authentication mechanisms and directly manipulate database operations. This flaw enables attackers to perform unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion operations on the underlying database. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within staff functionality, potentially allowing unauthorized users to escalate privileges and gain administrative access to the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or corruption, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive user information. Attackers exploiting this flaw could potentially retrieve user credentials, personal information, and other confidential data stored within the application's database. The vulnerability also enables privilege escalation attacks, where malicious users might manipulate the staffbox functionality to gain administrative control over the system. This type of vulnerability is classified under the attack technique T1078 in the mitre att&ck framework, which covers valid accounts and legitimate credentials exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-13669 should prioritize immediate implementation of parameterized queries and proper input validation throughout the application. The recommended approach involves converting all sql queries to use prepared statements with parameter binding, ensuring that user-supplied input cannot be interpreted as sql code. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and input sanitization mechanisms within the staffbox.php script would prevent unauthorized parameter manipulation. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and maintaining up-to-date security measures, particularly for applications handling sensitive user data and administrative functions. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system.