CVE-2017-20138 in Auction Script
Summary
by MITRE • 07/16/2022
A vulnerability was found in Itech Auction Script 6.49. It has been classified as critical. This affects an unknown part of the file /mcategory.php. The manipulation of the argument mcid with the input 4' AND 1734=1734 AND 'Ggks'='Ggks leads to sql injection (Blind). It is possible to initiate the attack remotely.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2017-20138 represents a critical sql injection flaw in Itech Auction Script version 6.49, specifically within the /mcategory.php file. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, where improper input validation allows malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters. The attack vector exploits the mcid parameter through a blind sql injection technique that leverages the logical condition 4' AND 1734=1734 AND 'Ggks'='Ggks to bypass authentication mechanisms and potentially extract sensitive database information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic blind sql injection attack pattern where the attacker crafts input that, when processed by the application, results in a modified sql query structure. The specific payload 4' AND 1734=1734 AND 'Ggks'='Ggks creates a condition where the database engine evaluates the logical expression 1734=1734 as true, effectively enabling the attacker to manipulate the query execution flow without direct output feedback. This blind approach requires multiple requests to infer database contents through response timing variations or conditional responses, making it particularly dangerous as it can be executed remotely without requiring local access to the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform unauthorized database operations including data modification, deletion, and extraction of sensitive information. The remote exploitability aspect means that attackers can target the vulnerable system from external networks without requiring physical access or prior authentication. This vulnerability could potentially lead to complete system compromise, data breaches, and unauthorized access to user accounts and sensitive business information stored within the auction platform's database infrastructure.
Security mitigations for CVE-2017-20138 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. The recommended approach involves sanitizing all user inputs, particularly those used in database queries, and implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries to ensure that user-supplied data cannot alter the intended sql command structure. Additionally, regular security updates and patches should be applied to the Itech Auction Script platform to address known vulnerabilities. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and proper access controls should be implemented to reduce the attack surface and detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploit public-facing application and T1071.004 for application layer protocol network protocol deception, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls across multiple defense layers.