CVE-2017-20196 in School Management Software
Summary
by MITRE • 01/26/2025
A vulnerability was found in Itechscripts School Management Software 2.75. It has been classified as critical. This affects an unknown part of the file /notice-edit.php. The manipulation of the argument aid leads to sql injection. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-20196 represents a critical sql injection flaw within Itechscripts School Management Software version 2.75, specifically impacting the /notice-edit.php file. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of the aid parameter, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input. The vulnerability's classification as critical indicates its potential for severe impact on system integrity and data confidentiality, particularly given that the attack vector is remote and the exploit has been publicly disclosed, making it readily available to threat actors.
The technical implementation of this sql injection vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied input passed through the aid argument in the notice-edit.php file. When an attacker submits malicious input to this parameter, the application incorporates it directly into sql queries without adequate sanitization measures, enabling the execution of unauthorized database operations. This flaw falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities, where improper handling of user input leads to arbitrary sql command execution. The remote exploit capability means attackers can leverage this vulnerability from external networks without requiring physical access or prior authentication within the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-20196 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can result in complete database compromise, unauthorized user account creation, data modification, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. School management systems typically contain sensitive information including student records, parent details, academic performance data, and administrative information, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous. The disclosure of the exploit increases the likelihood of automated attacks and makes the system vulnerable to widespread compromise. According to ATT&CK framework category T1190, this vulnerability represents a network service exploitation technique that can lead to initial access and privilege escalation within targeted environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must prioritize immediate remediation through software updates or patches provided by the vendor, as the software vendor has likely released a fix for this specific issue. Organizations should implement input validation controls at multiple layers including web application firewalls, database query parameterization, and proper input sanitization routines. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components. The implementation of principle of least privilege for database connections and regular monitoring of database activities can help detect unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive backup strategies to ensure rapid recovery in case of successful compromise.