CVE-2017-17612 in Hot Scripts Clone
Summary
by MITRE
Hot Scripts Clone 3.1 has SQL Injection via the /categories subctid or mctid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17612 affects Hot Scripts Clone 3.1, a web application designed for managing and displaying script directories. This application suffers from a critical SQL injection flaw that can be exploited through the /categories endpoint, specifically targeting the subctid or mctid parameters. The vulnerability represents a significant security weakness that could allow unauthorized users to execute malicious SQL commands against the underlying database system, potentially leading to complete database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's parameter handling mechanism. When the subctid or mctid parameters are passed to the /categories endpoint, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This lack of proper input sanitization creates an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary SQL code through crafted parameter values, bypassing normal authentication and authorization controls. The vulnerability is categorized as a classic SQL injection flaw that aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive data including user credentials, personal information, and administrative details stored within the database. Beyond data exfiltration, attackers could modify or delete database contents, potentially rendering the application unusable or corrupting critical information. The vulnerability also provides a potential entry point for further attacks within the network infrastructure, as compromised database credentials could be used to access other systems. This type of vulnerability falls under ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers would typically probe for such vulnerabilities before attempting exploitation.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. The application should be updated to use prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL code from user input, effectively neutralizing the injection threat. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and input sanitization measures can significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to a patched version of Hot Scripts Clone or migrating to a more secure, well-maintained alternative that follows modern security standards and practices.