CVE-2017-20124 in Online Hotel Booking System Pro Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/30/2022
A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in Online Hotel Booking System Pro Plugin 1.0. Affected is an unknown function of the file /front/roomtype-details.php. The manipulation of the argument tid leads to sql injection. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2022
This critical vulnerability exists within the Online Hotel Booking System Pro Plugin version 1.0, specifically affecting the /front/roomtype-details.php file where an insecure parameter handling flaw allows for sql injection attacks. The vulnerability is triggered when the tid argument is manipulated, creating a direct pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized database queries. The issue represents a significant security risk as it permits remote exploitation without requiring any local access or authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle sensitive customer data including booking information, personal details, and payment records.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command, commonly known as sql injection. The flaw occurs when user input from the tid parameter is directly incorporated into sql queries without proper sanitization or parameterization, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql code that can manipulate database operations. This vulnerability can be exploited through standard http requests where an attacker simply modifies the tid parameter value to include sql injection payloads, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft as it can enable complete database compromise and unauthorized administrative access to the hotel booking system. Attackers could extract sensitive information including customer personal details, booking records, and potentially system credentials that could facilitate further attacks within the network. The remote exploit capability means that this vulnerability can be leveraged by attackers from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly concerning for online services that process customer transactions and personal information. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system as outlined in the CIA triad of information security principles.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of defense including input validation, parameterized queries, and web application firewalls to mitigate this vulnerability. The recommended remediation involves proper sanitization of all user inputs, particularly the tid parameter, through the implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate sql code from data. Additionally, regular security assessments, code reviews, and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues within the application codebase. The exploit being publicly disclosed increases the risk profile significantly, making immediate patching or mitigation essential to protect against potential exploitation attempts that could result in data breaches and regulatory compliance violations under standards such as pci dss and gdpr requirements.