CVE-2017-15907 in phpCollab
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in phpCollab 2.5.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter to newsdesk/newsdesk.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2019
The SQL injection vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15907 affects phpCollab version 2.5.1 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands. This vulnerability specifically manifests through the id parameter in the newsdesk/newsdesk.php script, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to compromise the application's database layer. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and improper parameter handling within the application's SQL query construction process, creating an exploitable pathway for attackers to manipulate database operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization or parameterization. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious input that alters the intended SQL query structure, potentially allowing them to extract sensitive data, modify database records, or even gain administrative access to the underlying database system. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the server, making it particularly dangerous in web-facing applications where the phpCollab platform is deployed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it can lead to complete system takeover through database-level attacks. An attacker could leverage the SQL injection to escalate privileges, bypass authentication mechanisms, or extract confidential information including user credentials, personal data, and business-critical information stored within the phpCollab database. The vulnerability affects the application's integrity and confidentiality, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations that could result in significant financial and reputational damage to organizations using the affected version.
Organizations utilizing phpCollab should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to a patched version of the software, implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1190 technique for exploitation of remote services, emphasizing the need for network segmentation and access controls. Additionally, implementing comprehensive logging and monitoring of database activities can help detect exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in the application's codebase. The remediation process should also include code review practices that enforce secure coding standards and proper database interaction protocols to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future development cycles.