CVE-2017-17617 in Foodspotting Clone Script
Summary
by MITRE
Foodspotting Clone Script 1.0 has SQL Injection via the quicksearch.php q parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17617 affects the Foodspotting Clone Script version 1.0, which represents a web application designed for food-related social networking and sharing platforms. This particular instance demonstrates a critical security flaw that allows unauthorized users to manipulate the application's database through malicious input. The vulnerability specifically resides within the quicksearch.php script, which serves as a search functionality component for users to discover food-related content, restaurants, or locations within the platform. The affected parameter named 'q' processes user input for search queries without proper sanitization or validation, creating an exploitable entry point for attackers seeking to compromise the underlying database infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this SQL injection vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or parameterize user-supplied input before incorporating it into database query constructs. When users submit search terms through the quicksearch.php interface, the application directly incorporates the 'q' parameter value into SQL statements without adequate input filtering mechanisms. This design flaw enables attackers to craft malicious SQL commands that can be executed within the database context, potentially allowing for data extraction, modification, or deletion operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to severe database compromise. Attackers can exploit this weakness by injecting malicious SQL syntax through the search parameter, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive user information, including personal details, login credentials, or other confidential data stored within the application's database.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can enable attackers to escalate their privileges and potentially take complete control of the affected system. Successful exploitation allows threat actors to bypass authentication mechanisms, access administrative functions, and manipulate the application's core data structures. The implications for the Foodspotting Clone Script platform are significant, as it could result in the exposure of user personal information, compromise of user accounts, and potential disruption of service availability. Organizations relying on this vulnerable application face risks of regulatory compliance violations, reputational damage, and potential financial losses due to data breaches. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that it affects a core search functionality that likely receives substantial user traffic, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation campaigns. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, demonstrating how attackers can leverage web application flaws to gain initial access to target systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and parameterized query execution throughout the application's codebase. The most effective remediation involves replacing direct string concatenation of user input with proper parameterized SQL queries that separate the SQL command structure from the data being processed. Organizations should implement input sanitization measures that filter out or escape special characters commonly used in SQL injection attacks, including single quotes, semicolons, and comment markers. Additionally, the application should enforce proper access controls and implement the principle of least privilege for database connections, ensuring that database accounts used by the web application have minimal necessary permissions. Regular security code reviews and automated vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws throughout the application's codebase. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Furthermore, organizations should establish comprehensive incident response procedures and conduct regular security training for development teams to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future releases. The remediation process should also include thorough testing of the patched application to ensure that legitimate functionality remains intact while the vulnerability is properly addressed.