CVE-2017-18289 in PvPGN Stats
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in PvPGN Stats 2.4.6. SQL Injection exist in ladder/stats.php via the GET type parameter.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18289 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within PvPGN Stats version 2.4.6, specifically affecting the ladder/stats.php web script. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle user-supplied data passed through the GET type parameter. The vulnerability exists within the context of a gaming statistics application that processes user requests to retrieve ladder information, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to exploit database access controls.
The technical implementation of this flaw allows an attacker to inject malicious SQL code through the type parameter in the URL query string, directly affecting the database backend that stores gaming statistics and ladder rankings. When the application processes the GET parameter without proper sanitization, it concatenates user input directly into SQL queries, creating an environment where arbitrary SQL commands can be executed with the privileges of the database user account. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications, particularly those involving improper input handling in database queries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to extract sensitive information from the database including user credentials, game statistics, and potentially system-level information. Depending on the database configuration and the privileges assigned to the PvPGN application user, attackers might also be able to modify or delete data, execute administrative commands, or even escalate their access to gain broader system control. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that PvPGN Stats is designed for online gaming communities where user data and system integrity are paramount.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to several ATT&CK techniques including T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS and T1213.002 for Data from Information Repositories, as it enables unauthorized access to gaming statistics databases. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious URLs with SQL injection payloads that can bypass authentication mechanisms and extract sensitive data from the backend database. Organizations using this vulnerable software should consider implementing input validation at multiple layers including web application firewalls, database access controls, and proper parameterized query implementations to mitigate such attacks.
The remediation approach requires immediate patching of the PvPGN Stats application to version 2.4.7 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and parameterized query implementations. Additionally, implementing proper input validation routines, using prepared statements with parameterized queries, and establishing proper database access controls can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar injection flaws in other components of their gaming infrastructure, particularly those handling user input through web interfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and database monitoring to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts.