CVE-2018-10757 in CSP MySQL User Manager
Summary
by MITRE
CSP MySQL User Manager 2.3.1 allows SQL injection, and resultant Authentication Bypass, via a crafted username during a login attempt.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10757 affects CSP MySQL User Manager version 2.3.1 and represents a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized access through SQL injection techniques. This vulnerability specifically targets the authentication mechanism of the application, allowing malicious actors to bypass the login process entirely by crafting specially formatted usernames during authentication attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper sanitization of user-supplied data within the login functionality. When a user attempts to log in, the application accepts the username parameter without adequate filtering or escaping of special characters that could be interpreted as SQL commands. This primitive flaw creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious SQL code directly through the username field, potentially manipulating the underlying database query execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of systems relying on CSP MySQL User Manager for database access control. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can bypass authentication mechanisms entirely, gaining access to database resources without proper credentials, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized data manipulation, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability's classification as an authentication bypass indicates that successful exploitation can provide attackers with elevated privileges and persistent access to sensitive database environments.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries target vulnerabilities in externally accessible applications to gain initial access. The attack vector requires minimal technical expertise and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments where database access is critical for business operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the CSP MySQL User Manager to version 2.3.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for input validation and SQL injection prevention. Organizations should also implement proper input sanitization measures, including parameterized queries and proper escaping of special characters in all database interactions. Network segmentation and access control measures can provide additional defense-in-depth layers, while regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other applications within the infrastructure. The remediation process should also include monitoring for suspicious login attempts and implementing account lockout mechanisms to prevent brute force exploitation attempts.