CVE-2017-20134 in Freelancer Script
Summary
by MITRE • 07/16/2022
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, has been found in Itech Freelancer Script 5.13. Affected by this issue is some unknown functionality of the file /category.php. The manipulation of the argument sk leads to sql injection. The attack may be launched 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
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-20134 represents a critical sql injection flaw in Itech Freelancer Script version 5.13 that specifically affects the /category.php file. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it can be executed remotely without requiring any special privileges or authentication, making it accessible to any attacker with network access to the affected system. The specific parameter sk within the category.php file serves as the entry point for this injection attack, where malicious input can manipulate the underlying sql query structure and potentially allow unauthorized access to sensitive database information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common sql injection patterns classified under CWE-89, which represents improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands. This flaw operates by bypassing normal input validation procedures and directly injecting malicious sql code through the sk parameter. When an attacker supplies crafted input to this parameter, the application fails to properly escape or parameterize the input before executing database operations, creating opportunities for data extraction, modification, or deletion. The remote exploitability aspect means that threat actors can leverage this vulnerability from external networks without requiring physical access to the server infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can potentially enable complete database compromise and unauthorized administrative access to the freelancer script platform. Attackers could leverage this sql injection to extract user credentials, personal information, and business data stored within the application's database. The disclosure of this exploit to the public community significantly increases the risk profile, as it provides attackers with documented techniques and methods for exploiting the vulnerability. This exposure creates a window of opportunity for malicious actors to target installations running the affected version, particularly those that have not yet applied patches or mitigations.
Organizations utilizing Itech Freelancer Script version 5.13 should immediately implement comprehensive security measures to address this vulnerability. The primary mitigation strategy involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks, aligning with defensive techniques recommended by the mitre attack framework under the execution and credential access phases. Additionally, network segmentation, web application firewalls, and regular security audits should be deployed to minimize the attack surface and detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as critical underscores the urgency for immediate remediation, as the public availability of exploit code significantly increases the likelihood of successful attacks against unpatched systems.