CVE-2020-19112 in Online Book Store
Summary
by MITRE • 05/06/2021
SQL Injection vulnerability in Online Book Store v1.0 via the bookisbn parameter to admin_delete.php, which could let a remote malicious user execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-19112 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Online Book Store version 1.0 application. This security weakness specifically manifests through the bookisbn parameter in the admin_delete.php script, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate the database through malicious input. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. Such a flaw fundamentally compromises the integrity of the application's data handling processes and exposes sensitive information to unauthorized access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a crafted bookisbn value that contains malicious SQL commands. These commands bypass the application's normal input processing and are directly executed within the database context, allowing for arbitrary code execution and complete database compromise. The flaw aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization. This weakness enables attackers to perform unauthorized operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-19112 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. This vulnerability can be leveraged to escalate privileges, create backdoors, or establish persistent access to the application environment. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. Attackers following the tactics described in the ATT&CK framework under T1071.005 for application layer protocol manipulation can utilize this vulnerability to gain deeper access to network resources and potentially move laterally within the infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent user input from being interpreted as SQL commands. Application developers should adopt prepared statements and stored procedures that separate SQL code from data, effectively neutralizing the injection threat. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and input sanitization mechanisms within the admin_delete.php script will prevent unauthorized modifications to database records. Security measures should also include regular security assessments, web application firewalls, and comprehensive logging of database activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for database connections and regularly update their applications to address known vulnerabilities. The remediation approach aligns with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top 10 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, emphasizing the importance of defense in depth strategies to protect against such critical vulnerabilities.