CVE-2019-15556 in social_network
Summary
by MITRE
Pvanloon1983 social_network before 2019-07-03 allows SQL injection in includes/form_handlers/register_handler.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15556 affects the Pvanloon1983 social_network application version prior to 2019-07-03, representing a critical SQL injection flaw that compromises the integrity and confidentiality of user data. This vulnerability resides within the register_handler.php file located in the includes/form_handlers directory, making it accessible through the user registration process. The flaw enables malicious actors to manipulate database queries by injecting arbitrary SQL commands through input fields, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the application's database infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the registration handler component. When users attempt to register new accounts, their input data flows directly into database queries without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms. This design flaw aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without adequate protection measures. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to implement proper prepared statements or input sanitization techniques that would prevent malicious SQL code from being executed within the database context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with extensive capabilities to manipulate the application's underlying database structure. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion of user accounts, personal information, and potentially sensitive system data. Attackers might leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, create backdoor accounts, or extract confidential information including user credentials, personal details, and communication data. The vulnerability's presence in the registration handler specifically targets new user account creation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited during the initial user onboarding process when security controls are often less stringent.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and comprehensive code review processes to address this vulnerability. The recommended remediation strategy involves updating the application to version 2019-07-03 or later, which includes proper SQL injection protection measures. Additionally, organizations should establish robust input sanitization protocols, implement proper database access controls, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten project, which consistently ranks SQL injection among the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1190 technique for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures including network segmentation, database monitoring, and intrusion detection systems to prevent exploitation attempts.