CVE-2017-17567 in Posty Readymade Classifieds
Summary
by MITRE
Scubez Posty Readymade Classifieds has SQL Injection via the admin/user_activate_submit.php ID parameter.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2019
The vulnerability CVE-2017-17567 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Scubez Posty Readymade Classifieds platform, specifically targeting the admin/user_activate_submit.php component. This vulnerability exposes the system to unauthorized database access and potential data compromise through improper input validation. The flaw occurs when the application fails to adequately sanitize or escape user-supplied data passed through the ID parameter, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands that execute within the database context. Such vulnerabilities fall under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it targets administrative functions, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive user data, or manipulate the classifieds system's core functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to employ proper parameterized queries or input sanitization mechanisms when processing the ID parameter in the user activation submission endpoint. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious SQL payloads that bypass authentication mechanisms and directly interact with the underlying database. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because it operates within the administrative context, potentially allowing unauthorized users to activate accounts, modify user permissions, or extract confidential information from the classifieds platform's database. This type of attack vector aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1071.004, which describes application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting web application vulnerabilities that enable data exfiltration and system compromise.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond immediate data theft to encompass potential system compromise and service disruption. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to user credentials, personal information, and classified listing data, creating significant privacy and security risks for both administrators and end-users. Organizations utilizing this classifieds platform face potential regulatory compliance violations, especially under data protection frameworks such as gdpr or ccpa, due to the exposure of sensitive user data through unsecured database access. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by threat actors with basic knowledge of SQL injection techniques. System administrators should prioritize immediate remediation through input validation, parameterized queries, and comprehensive security testing to prevent unauthorized access to classified database resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17567 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query execution throughout the application's codebase. The recommended approach involves replacing direct SQL query construction with prepared statements that separate SQL logic from user input, thereby eliminating the possibility of malicious SQL injection. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and input sanitization measures within the admin/user_activate_submit.php endpoint will prevent unauthorized manipulation of user activation processes. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities across other endpoints and ensure that all user-supplied data undergoes proper validation before database interaction. The remediation process should include code review procedures, automated security scanning, and regular penetration testing to maintain system integrity and prevent future exploitation attempts targeting similar SQL injection vulnerabilities in the classifieds platform's architecture.