CVE-2017-15960 in Article Directory Script
Summary
by MITRE
Article Directory Script 3.0 allows SQL Injection via the id parameter to author.php or category.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2017-15960 represents a critical sql injection flaw in Article Directory Script version 3.0 that affects the author.php and category.php web pages. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, specifically the id parameter that is processed through these scripts. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands into the database query execution process, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses in software applications. According to the mitre cve dictionary, this issue enables unauthorized access to sensitive data and can lead to complete system compromise when exploited effectively.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly escape or validate the id parameter before incorporating it into sql queries. Attackers can manipulate the parameter value to inject malicious sql code that gets executed by the database engine. This type of injection can occur through various methods including union-based queries, error-based exploitation, or time-based blind sql injection techniques. The affected scripts author.php and category.php serve as entry points where user input directly influences database operations without adequate sanitization measures. The vulnerability exists due to poor application design practices that fail to implement proper parameterized queries or input validation mechanisms. This weakness aligns with the attack pattern described in the mitre attack framework under the execution category where adversaries leverage injection flaws to execute unauthorized commands.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-15960 is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to extract confidential information, modify or delete database records, and gain unauthorized access to the application's backend systems. Successful exploitation can result in data breaches, service disruption, and potential system compromise that may affect all users of the article directory platform. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly until proper patches are applied. Organizations using this script may face regulatory compliance issues and potential legal consequences due to data exposure. The attack surface is relatively narrow since it specifically targets the id parameter in two defined scripts, but the impact remains significant due to the potential for complete database compromise. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability when conducting risk assessments for web applications and prioritize its remediation according to industry best practices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15960 should focus on implementing proper input validation, parameterized queries, and output encoding to prevent sql injection attacks. The recommended approach involves updating the Article Directory Script to version 3.1 or later where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts, while also conducting regular security testing to identify similar vulnerabilities. The implementation of proper prepared statements and stored procedures can effectively prevent sql injection by separating sql code from data. Additionally, input sanitization techniques including character encoding, length validation, and whitelist filtering should be applied to all user-supplied parameters. System administrators should also monitor database logs for suspicious activities and implement least privilege access controls to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce new functionality issues while maintaining the application's core operations.