CVE-2019-6708 in PHPSHE
Summary
by MITRE
PHPSHE 1.7 has SQL injection via the admin.php?mod=order state parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-6708 affects PHPSHE version 1.7 and represents a critical SQL injection flaw that specifically targets the administrative interface of the web application. This vulnerability exists within the admin.php script where the state parameter is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database queries. The flaw resides in the application's handling of user-supplied data within the order management module, where the state parameter controls the filtering criteria for order records. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the database backend, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive customer information, order details, and administrative credentials. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects the administrative interface, which typically requires elevated privileges and contains the most sensitive operational data within the application.
The technical exploitation of this SQL injection vulnerability follows standard attack patterns where malicious input is crafted to manipulate the SQL query structure. When an attacker submits a specially crafted state parameter value, the application fails to properly escape or validate the input before incorporating it into the database query. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL fragments that can alter the query execution flow, potentially leading to data extraction, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it targets the administrative section of the application, where attackers can potentially escalate their privileges and gain comprehensive control over the entire system. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate parameter sanitization within the PHP application code, creating a direct pathway for database manipulation through user-controllable parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise to encompass complete system takeover potential. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to customer personal information, financial transaction records, and business-critical data stored within the PHPSHE application. Attackers may also be able to modify order statuses, manipulate inventory data, or even execute administrative commands that could disrupt business operations. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire database system, potentially leading to regulatory compliance violations and significant financial losses. Organizations using PHPSHE 1.7 may face extended recovery periods due to the need for comprehensive database audits, system reinstallation, and security hardening measures. The attack surface is particularly wide as the vulnerability affects the administrative interface, which typically contains the most sensitive operational data and administrative controls within the application.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-6708 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves applying the vendor-provided security patch or upgrade to PHPSHE version 1.7 to eliminate the SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and parameter sanitization measures throughout the application code, particularly within the administrative modules. Database access controls should be strengthened with proper privilege separation, ensuring that application accounts have minimal required permissions and that database queries are properly escaped or parameterized. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be deployed to detect and block suspicious SQL injection attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol abuse, specifically targeting database communication protocols. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar input validation weaknesses in other application components. Organizations should also implement database activity monitoring and logging to detect unauthorized access attempts and potential exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in application functionality while effectively closing the SQL injection vector.