CVE-2017-17637 in Car Rental Script
Summary
by MITRE
Car Rental Script 2.0.4 has SQL Injection via the countrycode1.php val parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17637 affects the Car Rental Script version 2.0.4, which is a web-based application designed for managing car rental operations. This particular flaw resides within the countrycode1.php component of the software, where user input is improperly handled, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute unauthorized database operations. The vulnerability is classified as a SQL injection attack vector, representing a critical security weakness that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within the application's backend database system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the val parameter within the countrycode1.php file, which accepts user-supplied input without proper sanitization or validation mechanisms. When an attacker submits malicious SQL commands through this parameter, the application fails to properly escape or filter the input before incorporating it into database queries. This allows attackers to manipulate the intended database operations, potentially executing arbitrary SQL statements that can retrieve, modify, or delete sensitive information from the underlying database. The flaw directly maps to CWE-89 which defines improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, a well-documented weakness that has been consistently identified across numerous web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to escalate their privileges within the application environment. Successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise, allowing unauthorized users to access customer information, rental records, payment details, and other sensitive operational data. The vulnerability also provides potential for further attack escalation, as database access can serve as a stepping stone for additional compromises within the network infrastructure. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which involves application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting web applications through SQL injection methods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17637 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query execution throughout the affected application. The most effective remediation involves implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL command structure from user data, ensuring that malicious input cannot alter the intended query execution. Additionally, comprehensive input sanitization should be implemented to filter out potentially harmful characters and patterns that could be used in SQL injection attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activities targeting this specific vulnerability. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation practices and highlights the necessity of following secure coding guidelines to prevent such widespread security weaknesses in web applications.