CVE-2017-20163 in NView
Summary
by MITRE • 01/05/2023
A vulnerability has been found in Red Snapper NView and classified as critical. This vulnerability affects the function mutate of the file src/Session.php. The manipulation of the argument session leads to sql injection. The name of the patch is cbd255f55d476b29e5680f66f48c73ddb3d416a8. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue. The identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-217516.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-20163 represents a critical sql injection flaw within Red Snapper NView software ecosystem. This vulnerability specifically targets the mutate function located in the src/Session.php file, where improper input validation allows malicious actors to manipulate session data parameters. The flaw occurs when the session argument is processed without adequate sanitization, creating an avenue for attackers to inject malicious sql commands directly into the application's database layer. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous as they can enable full database compromise and unauthorized data access. The vulnerability has been assigned the identifier VDB-217516 and was addressed through a specific patch with the commit hash cbd255f55d476b29e5680f66f48c73ddb3d416a8, which represents a critical security remediation effort.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows established patterns for sql injection attacks, where the mutate function in Session.php fails to properly escape or validate session parameters before database operations. This creates a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate the underlying sql queries through crafted session data inputs. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to severe database compromise. The attack vector operates through the manipulation of session arguments, which are then processed by the vulnerable mutate function without proper sanitization measures. This flaw can be exploited by attackers who gain access to session management components or who can influence session data through other attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise including unauthorized data modification, deletion, or extraction of sensitive information. Attackers could potentially escalate privileges within the application, access confidential user data, or even use the compromised system as a foothold for further network infiltration. The critical classification indicates that this vulnerability poses an immediate threat to system security and should be addressed with high priority. Organizations using Red Snapper NView software face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches if this vulnerability remains unpatched. The vulnerability's location within session management functions also suggests potential impact on user authentication and authorization mechanisms within the application.
Security remediation for CVE-2017-20163 requires immediate implementation of the provided patch with commit hash cbd255f55d476b29e5680f66f48c73ddb3d416a8. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to ensure all instances of the affected software are updated and verify that the patch has been properly applied. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components. The fix addresses the specific sql injection vector through the mutate function in Session.php, but broader security measures including regular code reviews, input sanitization protocols, and database access controls should be implemented. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring systems to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain compliance with security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.