CVE-2021-41649 in online-shopping-system-advanced
Summary
by MITRE • 10/02/2021
An un-authenticated SQL Injection exists in PuneethReddyHC online-shopping-system-advanced through the /homeaction.php cat_id parameter. Using a post request does not sanitize the user input.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-41649 represents a critical security flaw in the PuneethReddyHC online-shopping-system-advanced web application. This system implements an online shopping platform that suffers from improper input validation mechanisms, specifically within its product category filtering functionality. The vulnerability manifests through the /homeaction.php endpoint where the cat_id parameter receives user input without adequate sanitization or validation. This particular implementation fails to enforce proper authentication checks, allowing any remote attacker to exploit the SQL injection vulnerability without requiring valid credentials or session tokens.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a POST request method that submits malicious SQL payload directly to the cat_id parameter. The absence of input sanitization means that crafted SQL commands can be executed within the database context, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even escalate privileges within the application's database layer. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The lack of authentication requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by any internet-connected entity without prior access credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it creates potential pathways for complete system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to access customer databases containing personal information, payment details, and transaction records, potentially leading to identity theft, financial fraud, and regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability also enables attackers to manipulate the application's data integrity by modifying product listings, changing pricing structures, or deleting critical inventory information. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 technique for exploitation of remote services, specifically targeting web application vulnerabilities that allow for data manipulation and unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-41649 should prioritize immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application's database interaction layers. The system requires comprehensive sanitization of all user inputs, particularly those used in SQL command construction, with proper escaping mechanisms and input length restrictions. Authentication mechanisms should be enforced at all endpoints to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive functionality. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring systems can provide additional layers of protection. Regular security code reviews and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities across the application codebase, while also ensuring compliance with industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks to maintain robust defense-in-depth strategies.