CVE-2017-17895 in Job Site Script
Summary
by MITRE
Readymade Job Site Script has SQL Injection via the location_name array parameter to the /job URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2019
The CVE-2017-17895 vulnerability affects the Readymade Job Site Script, a web application designed for job listing and recruitment management. This particular flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows attackers to manipulate the application's database through improper input validation. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes the location_name array parameter through the /job URI endpoint, creating an avenue for malicious SQL command injection attacks. The affected system fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into database queries, thereby exposing sensitive data and system functionality to unauthorized access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to employ proper parameterized queries or input sanitization mechanisms. When the location_name array parameter is submitted through the /job URI, the script directly incorporates this data into SQL statements without adequate validation or escaping. This design flaw aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is concatenated or embedded into SQL commands. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where user input transitions into database operations, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the underlying database server. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract confidential information, modify database records, or even gain administrative control over the application's backend systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-17895 extends beyond simple data theft, potentially compromising the entire job site infrastructure and user privacy. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to job seeker profiles, employer information, application data, and potentially sensitive personal details stored within the database. The vulnerability's accessibility through a standard URI endpoint means that attackers can exploit it without requiring elevated privileges or specialized knowledge of the system's internal architecture. This makes the attack surface particularly broad and increases the likelihood of successful exploitation. Organizations using this script face significant risks including data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences due to exposure of sensitive user information. The vulnerability also enables attackers to perform operations such as data deletion, modification of job listings, or creation of unauthorized administrative accounts, fundamentally compromising the integrity and availability of the job site services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17895 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized query execution throughout the application codebase. Organizations must ensure that all user-supplied data, particularly array parameters like location_name, undergo rigorous sanitization before being processed in database operations. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries represents the most effective defense mechanism against SQL injection attacks, as these approaches separate SQL command structure from data values. Additionally, input validation should include length restrictions, character set filtering, and comprehensive sanitization routines that remove or escape potentially malicious SQL metacharacters. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense in depth, though they should not be relied upon as the sole mitigation strategy. Regular security assessments, including automated scanning and manual penetration testing, should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application's codebase and ensure that proper security controls remain in place. The remediation process should also include comprehensive code review procedures to prevent similar issues from emerging in future development cycles, aligning with best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.