CVE-2017-20169 in ToN-MasterServer
Summary
by MITRE • 01/14/2023
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, has been found in GGGGGGGG ToN-MasterServer. Affected by this issue is some unknown functionality of the file public_html/irc_updater/svr_request_pub.php. The manipulation leads to sql injection. The name of the patch is 3a4c7e6d51bf95760820e3245e06c6e321a7168a. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue. VDB-218306 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-20169 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the ToN-MasterServer application, specifically impacting the public_html/irc_updater/svr_request_pub.php file. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the application's database interactions through maliciously crafted input parameters, potentially enabling unauthorized access to sensitive information and system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this sql injection vulnerability occurs when user-controllable data enters the application through the svr_request_pub.php script without proper sanitization. Attackers can construct malicious sql payloads that bypass normal input validation checks and directly influence the database query execution flow. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a fundamental weakness in data validation and query construction. The vulnerability's classification as critical indicates the potential for severe impact including complete database compromise, data exfiltration, and possible lateral movement within the affected network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as sql injection attacks can enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the database server, escalate privileges, and potentially gain access to underlying operating system resources. The patch referenced as 3a4c7e6d51bf95760820e3245e06c6e321a7168a represents a crucial fix that addresses the root cause by implementing proper input validation and parameterized query execution. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately apply the patch and conduct thorough security assessments of their database configurations and access controls.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in the context of ATT&CK framework's T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, which describes how adversaries target vulnerable web applications to gain initial access. The vulnerability's presence in a publicly accessible irc_updater component makes it particularly attractive to attackers seeking to establish persistent access or conduct data breaches. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates poor application security practices that align with ATT&CK's T1071.004 - Application Layer Protocol: DNS, where attackers might leverage sql injection to pivot through network resources or conduct reconnaissance activities. Organizations should implement comprehensive web application firewall rules, conduct regular security code reviews, and establish proper input validation protocols to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in their systems.