CVE-2018-17841 in Flippa Marketplace Clone
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection exists in Scriptzee Flippa Marketplace Clone 1.0 via the site-search sortBy or sortDir parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17841 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Scriptzee Flippa Marketplace Clone version 1.0 software. This weakness resides in the marketplace platform's search functionality where users can sort results by various criteria including sortBy and sortDir parameters. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the sortBy and sortDir parameters through malicious input strings that are directly passed to the underlying database engine without proper security measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands through the search interface. When users submit search queries with specific sorting parameters, the application processes these inputs without adequate sanitization, enabling attackers to craft payloads that can manipulate the database query execution. This flaw typically manifests when the application constructs dynamic sql statements by concatenating user input directly into query strings rather than utilizing parameterized queries or prepared statements. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses in software applications where user-controllable data is incorporated into sql commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft as it can enable complete database compromise. An attacker with successful exploitation can potentially extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, transaction records, and system configuration details. The vulnerability also permits unauthorized modification or deletion of database content, potentially leading to service disruption, data integrity compromise, and financial loss. In the context of marketplace platforms, this weakness could result in unauthorized access to customer information, fraudulent transactions, and complete system takeover. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that this affects a marketplace clone platform where multiple users interact with the system, increasing the potential for widespread impact.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-17841 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query usage throughout the application codebase. Organizations should implement strict sanitization routines that filter or escape all user-supplied data before processing, particularly for parameters used in database operations. The recommended approach involves migrating from dynamic sql construction to prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate user input from sql command structure. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and input validation at multiple layers including application firewalls, web application firewalls, and database level restrictions can provide defense in depth. Regular security testing including automated vulnerability scanning and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other application components. The implementation of proper error handling that does not expose database structure information to end users further reduces the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for database accounts and establishing comprehensive monitoring systems to detect anomalous database access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1190 which addresses exploit public-facing application, making it a critical target for both defensive and offensive security operations.