CVE-2020-24932 in Complaint Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 10/27/2021
An SQL Injection vulnerability exists in Sourcecodester Complaint Management System 1.0 via the cid parameter in complaint-details.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2026
The CVE-2020-24932 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Sourcecodester Complaint Management System version 1.0, specifically targeting the complaint-details.php script. This vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices, allowing malicious actors to manipulate database queries through the cid parameter. The system fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL command structures, creating an exploitable pathway for unauthorized database access and manipulation.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, which is classified as a severe weakness in application security. The flaw operates by accepting the cid parameter directly from user input without proper sanitization, enabling attackers to inject malicious SQL code that can be executed by the database server. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable complete database compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within affected systems. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even execute administrative commands on the underlying database infrastructure.
The attack surface for CVE-2020-24932 is particularly concerning given that it targets a complaint management system, which typically handles sensitive user data including personal information, complaint details, and potentially confidential business data. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 for Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols, as it exploits web application interfaces through malformed input parameters. The exploitation process involves crafting malicious payloads that manipulate the SQL query structure, potentially leading to unauthorized access to user accounts, complaint records, and system administrative functions.
Organizations utilizing this system face significant operational risks including data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential financial losses. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the importance of implementing proper parameterized queries and input sanitization mechanisms. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the affected system, implementation of web application firewalls, and comprehensive code review processes to identify similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, security measures such as database query parameterization, input validation, and least privilege access controls should be enforced to prevent exploitation of similar weaknesses. The incident underscores the critical need for regular security assessments and adherence to secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.