CVE-2017-15989 in Online Exam Test Application
Summary
by MITRE
Online Exam Test Application allows SQL Injection via the resources.php sort parameter in a category action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15989 resides within an Online Exam Test Application, specifically targeting the resources.php script where a sort parameter is utilized in category actions. This represents a classic sql injection flaw that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, particularly when the sort parameter is processed without proper escaping or parameterization techniques. The application fails to adequately filter or escape special characters that could alter the intended sql query structure, creating an exploitable condition that directly impacts database security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when user input from the sort parameter is directly concatenated into sql query strings without appropriate sanitization measures. This allows malicious actors to inject sql commands that can be executed by the database engine, potentially enabling unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of database contents, or complete database compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within a testing application context where sensitive examination data, student information, and assessment results may be stored, making the potential impact significantly higher than typical web applications. The attack vector specifically targets the category action within resources.php, indicating that the vulnerability is not merely a general sql injection issue but a targeted flaw in how the application handles sorting functionality for categorized resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges, bypass authentication mechanisms, or even execute arbitrary code on the database server. When combined with other exploitation techniques, this sql injection vulnerability can serve as a stepping stone for more comprehensive attacks against the entire application infrastructure. The exposure of sensitive examination data poses significant risks to academic integrity and student privacy, particularly in institutional settings where such applications handle confidential assessment information. From a compliance standpoint, this vulnerability could result in violations of data protection regulations and educational privacy laws that govern how student examination data must be handled and protected.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15989 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. The application should employ prepared statements or parameterized queries for all database interactions, ensuring that user input is treated as data rather than executable code. Input sanitization measures including character set validation, length restrictions, and the removal of dangerous sql metacharacters should be implemented at multiple layers of the application. Additionally, the application should enforce proper access controls and implement the principle of least privilege for database connections, limiting the potential damage from successful exploitation. Security monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate sql injection attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and represents a common technique used in the attack phase of the kill chain as documented in the ATT&CK framework under the execution and privilege escalation tactics. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security testing to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across their application portfolio.