CVE-2017-20017 in The Next Generation of Genealogy Sitebuilding
Summary
by MITRE • 06/08/2022
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, has been found in The Next Generation of Genealogy Sitebuilding up to 11.1.0. This issue affects some unknown processing of the file /timeline2.php. The manipulation of the argument primaryID leads to sql injection. The attack may be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. Upgrading to version 11.1.1 is able to address this issue. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2022
This critical vulnerability exists in The Next Generation of Genealogy Sitebuilding software, specifically affecting versions up to 11.1.0 and impacting the timeline2.php file. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the application's processing logic, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized database operations through SQL injection attacks. The flaw manifests when the primaryID argument is manipulated, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code that can be executed within the database context, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure and its sensitive genealogical data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows established patterns of SQL injection attacks where user-supplied input flows directly into database queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. The primaryID parameter serves as the entry point for exploitation, enabling attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input sequences that bypass normal input validation mechanisms. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely, meaning attackers do not require physical access to the system or network privileges to initiate the attack. The remote exploitation capability significantly increases the attack surface and makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous for web-based genealogy platforms that store sensitive personal information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, potentially enabling full database compromise including unauthorized data modification, deletion, or extraction of sensitive genealogical information. Given that genealogy platforms often contain highly personal and potentially sensitive family data, the consequences of unauthorized access could include identity theft, privacy violations, and reputational damage to both the platform operators and their users. The vulnerability's classification as critical indicates the potential for severe system compromise and data loss, with the attack vector being easily accessible through public exploitation methods that have already been disclosed.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate remediation through upgrading to version 11.1.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the SQL injection vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit potential attack vectors, while regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate other potential vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement proper logging and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain up-to-date backups to ensure rapid recovery in case of successful attacks. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a typical example of how insufficient input validation can create critical security weaknesses in web applications, making it a target for automated exploitation tools and malicious actors seeking to compromise sensitive genealogical databases.