CVE-2020-9265 in phpMyChat-Plus
Summary
by MITRE
phpMyChat-Plus 1.98 is vulnerable to multiple SQL injections against the deluser.php Delete User functionality, as demonstrated by pmc_username.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-9265 affects phpMyChat-Plus version 1.98 and represents a critical security flaw within the application's user management system. This issue manifests through multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities specifically targeting the deluser.php functionality responsible for user deletion operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to manipulate the pmc_username parameter, which serves as the primary input vector for the delete user functionality. The flaw exists due to insufficient input validation and improper sanitization of user-supplied data before it is incorporated into SQL queries, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or parameterize user input within the delete user script. When an attacker supplies malicious input through the pmc_username parameter, the application directly incorporates this data into SQL query construction without adequate protection mechanisms. This vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is concatenated into SQL commands without proper sanitization. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that this vulnerability affects the administrative deletion functionality, potentially allowing attackers to not only delete user accounts but also to extract sensitive database information, modify user permissions, or even escalate privileges within the application's database layer.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple user account deletion, as it provides attackers with significant database access capabilities that could lead to complete system compromise. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially access sensitive user information including usernames, passwords, and personal data stored within the chat application's database. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the administrative functionality of the application, meaning that successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to the entire user base and potentially allow for privilege escalation attacks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1046 which covers network service scanning, as attackers could use this vulnerability to gain access to legitimate user accounts and then move laterally within the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-9265 should focus on immediate patching of the phpMyChat-Plus application to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application's codebase to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components. Database access controls should be reviewed and restricted to minimize potential damage from any successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious SQL injection patterns in application logs and network traffic. The implementation of web application firewalls and input sanitization mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate other potential SQL injection vulnerabilities within the application's codebase, ensuring compliance with security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.