CVE-2018-6859 in Schools Alert Management Script
Summary
by MITRE
SQL Injection exists in PHP Scripts Mall Schools Alert Management Script 2.0.2 via the Login Parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6859 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Schools Alert Management Script version 2.0.2 distributed by PHP Scripts Mall. This security weakness specifically manifests through the login parameter of the application, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute unauthorized database operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the authentication mechanism, allowing attackers to manipulate sql queries through crafted input sequences. The affected system processes user credentials without proper parameterization or input filtering, making it susceptible to exploitation by threat actors seeking unauthorized access to the educational institution's alert management database.
This sql injection vulnerability operates under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious sql code through the login interface, potentially allowing them to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even execute administrative commands on the underlying database system. The attack vector specifically targets the authentication parameter where user input is directly incorporated into sql query construction without appropriate sanitization measures. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it can provide attackers with comprehensive database access, potentially exposing student records, staff information, and institutional communications stored within the alert management system.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability are severe for educational institutions relying on the affected software, as it creates multiple attack surfaces for threat actors seeking to compromise sensitive educational data. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain access to student personal information, academic records, and institutional communication data that would typically be protected by proper authentication controls. The vulnerability's persistence in the login parameter means that any authentication attempt could be leveraged for sql injection attacks, making it particularly dangerous as it remains active during normal system operations. Organizations using this software face significant risks including data breaches, compliance violations, and potential regulatory penalties due to inadequate protection of sensitive educational information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-6859 should prioritize immediate implementation of parameterized queries and input validation measures within the login authentication module. The most effective remediation involves adopting prepared statements or parameterized queries to ensure that user input cannot alter the intended sql command structure. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input sanitization routines that filter and validate all user-supplied data before processing. Additionally, the affected software version should be upgraded to a patched release from PHP Scripts Mall or replaced with a more secure alternative. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application's codebase, with particular attention to authentication mechanisms and database interaction patterns. The vulnerability also aligns with attack techniques documented in the attack pattern taxonomy under the category of sql injection attacks, which are commonly exploited in credential harvesting and data exfiltration operations.