CVE-2017-17618 in Kickstarter Clone Script
Summary
by MITRE
Kickstarter Clone Script 2.0 has SQL Injection via the investcalc.php projid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17618 affects Kickstarter Clone Script version 2.0, a web application designed to replicate the functionality of the popular crowdfunding platform Kickstarter. This particular vulnerability manifests as a SQL injection flaw that specifically targets the investcalc.php page through the projid parameter, representing a critical security weakness that could potentially compromise the entire application's database infrastructure. The vulnerability exists within the input validation mechanisms of the script's backend processing, where user-supplied data fails to undergo proper sanitization before being incorporated into database queries. This weakness allows an attacker to manipulate the application's database interactions by injecting malicious SQL code through the projid parameter, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the system.
The technical exploitation of this SQL injection vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a crafted projid parameter value to the investcalc.php endpoint that contains malicious SQL syntax. The application processes this input without adequate validation or sanitization, allowing the injected SQL commands to execute within the database context. This flaw can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including unauthorized data retrieval, modification, or deletion of database records. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89, which defines SQL injection as the improper handling of database queries where user-controllable input is incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it targets a core functionality page that likely handles project investment calculations, making it a high-value target for exploitation. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to access confidential project data, user information, financial records, or other sensitive data stored within the database.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the application's security architecture that could lead to complete system compromise. An attacker could potentially escalate privileges within the database, extract all project information including funding details and user credentials, or even modify project listings to manipulate funding campaigns. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire Kickstarter clone platform, potentially undermining user trust and exposing sensitive financial data. This weakness could enable attackers to manipulate investment calculations, alter project funding goals, or access private user communications. The attack could result in significant financial losses for both the platform operators and project creators, while also potentially violating data protection regulations such as gdpr or ccpa that govern the handling of personal and financial information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17618 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. The most effective approach involves using prepared statements or parameterized queries throughout the application's database interactions, ensuring that user input is properly escaped or sanitized before being processed. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and input validation at the application level can significantly reduce the attack surface. Security measures should include regular code reviews to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, and maintaining up-to-date security patches for all components. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should involve thorough testing of the patched application to ensure that the fix does not introduce any functional regressions while effectively eliminating the SQL injection vulnerability. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in database access controls, as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks and standards including those referenced in the mitre attack framework.