CVE-2017-17642 in Basic Job Site Script
Summary
by MITRE
Basic Job Site Script 2.0.5 has SQL Injection via the keyword parameter to /job.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2025
CVE-2017-17642 represents a critical SQL injection vulnerability discovered in Basic Job Site Script version 2.0.5, specifically affecting the keyword parameter within the /job endpoint. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category, which categorizes SQL injection flaws as weaknesses in software that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through unvalidated input. The flaw exists when user-supplied input from the keyword parameter is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization, creating an exploitable path for malicious actors to execute unauthorized database operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious SQL payloads through the keyword parameter in the /job URL endpoint. This allows the attacker to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive database information, modify or delete records, and potentially gain full control over the database server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects a core search functionality that likely processes user queries to filter job listings, making it accessible to both authenticated and unauthenticated users depending on the application's configuration. The attack vector demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and proper query parameterization, which are fundamental security practices recommended by the OWASP Top Ten and the SANS Institute's Critical Security Controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable complete database compromise and subsequent lateral movement within the affected system. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive user information including personal details, login credentials, and potentially financial data stored within the application's database. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for privilege escalation attacks, where attackers might attempt to elevate their access rights to administrative levels. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1071.005 Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols and T1046 Network Service Scanning, as it allows for reconnaissance activities and service exploitation. The impact is particularly severe for job site applications that handle large volumes of sensitive user data, as the breach could affect thousands of job seekers and employers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17642 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Basic Job Site Script version to the latest available release that addresses this vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase, ensuring that all user inputs are sanitized before being processed in database operations. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct thorough code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components and establish secure coding practices that prevent SQL injection across all database interactions. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be scheduled to ensure ongoing protection against similar weaknesses. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring to detect anomalous query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining detailed audit logs for forensic analysis in case of successful breaches.