CVE-2017-17580 in FS Linkedin Clone
Summary
by MITRE
FS Linkedin Clone 1.0 has SQL Injection via the group.php grid parameter, profile.php fid parameter, or company_details.php id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17580 affects FS Linkedin Clone version 1.0, a web application designed to replicate LinkedIn functionality. This particular flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows unauthorized users to execute malicious SQL commands against the application's database through specifically crafted inputs. The vulnerability manifests in three distinct attack vectors within the application's codebase, each corresponding to different parameters that handle user input without proper sanitization or validation mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this SQL injection vulnerability occurs when the application processes user-supplied data through the group.php script using the grid parameter, profile.php script with the fid parameter, or company_details.php script with the id parameter. These parameters are directly incorporated into SQL queries without appropriate input filtering or parameterized query construction. Attackers can exploit this by injecting malicious SQL syntax through these input fields, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive database information including user credentials, personal data, and system configuration details. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications, and represents a classic example of improper input validation leading to database compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate the entire database structure and contents. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise, allowing threat actors to extract sensitive information, modify user records, inject malicious code, or even escalate privileges within the application environment. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerable parameters are likely used in common navigation paths within the LinkedIn clone application, potentially affecting numerous users and system resources. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1190 for exploit for lateral movement through database access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17580 require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized query construction across all affected application components. The primary solution involves sanitizing all user inputs through proper input validation mechanisms, implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks, and applying proper access controls to limit database privileges for the application. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, while conducting comprehensive code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application parameters. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be performed to ensure the effectiveness of implemented controls and to identify potential new attack vectors that may emerge through application evolution or configuration changes.