CVE-2017-17779 in Paid To Read Script
Summary
by MITRE
Paid To Read Script 2.0.5 has SQL injection via the referrals.php id parameter.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17779 affects the Paid To Read Script version 2.0.5, a web-based content management system designed for monetizing website traffic through advertising and referral programs. This particular flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows malicious actors to manipulate database queries through improper input validation. The vulnerability specifically resides within the referrals.php script where user-supplied data is not adequately sanitized before being incorporated into SQL commands, creating an exploitable path for unauthorized database access and potential data compromise.
The technical implementation of this SQL injection vulnerability occurs through the id parameter in the referrals.php file, which accepts user input without proper validation or sanitization measures. When an attacker submits malicious SQL code through this parameter, the application processes the input directly within database queries without appropriate escaping or parameterization techniques. This design flaw falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a critical threat to database integrity and security. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database, potentially allowing them to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even escalate privileges within the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate the referral system's core functionality. An attacker could potentially access user account information, modify referral commissions, or even gain administrative control over the script's database. This poses significant risks to both the website owner's business operations and user privacy, particularly if the system handles sensitive user data or financial transactions related to referral programs. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the script is widely deployed without proper security hardening. According to ATT&CK framework category T1190, this vulnerability represents a technique for exploiting software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to systems, with potential for lateral movement and privilege escalation within the compromised environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application code. The immediate fix involves sanitizing all user inputs, particularly those used in database operations, by implementing proper escaping mechanisms or using prepared statements with parameterized queries. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules can help detect and block malicious attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar patterns that might exist in other parts of the application. The system should also enforce proper access controls and implement database query monitoring to detect unusual database activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations using this script should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates and maintain comprehensive backup procedures to recover from potential exploitation incidents.