CVE-2022-26293 in Online Project Time Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 03/17/2022
Online Project Time Management System v1.0 was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via the id parameter in the function save_employee at /ptms/classes/Users.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2022
The CVE-2022-26293 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Online Project Time Management System version 1.0, specifically manifesting in the save_employee function located at /ptms/classes/Users.php. This vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle user-supplied data when processing the id parameter. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database query execution flow, potentially compromising the entire backend database infrastructure.
This vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection as a serious weakness in software applications that fail to properly escape or parameterize user inputs before incorporating them into database queries. The attack vector specifically targets the id parameter within the save_employee function, suggesting that the application does not employ proper prepared statements or parameterized queries to handle database interactions. The vulnerability exists because the system directly concatenates user input into SQL queries without adequate sanitization or validation, creating an exploitable condition where attackers can manipulate database operations through crafted input sequences.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with potentially complete database access and control. An attacker could leverage this SQL injection to extract sensitive employee information, modify user credentials, delete database records, or even escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability particularly affects the time management functionality of the system, potentially compromising project timelines, employee data, and organizational productivity. Given that this is a time management system, the compromise could lead to unauthorized access to project schedules, billing information, and resource allocation data that organizations rely upon for operational planning and financial tracking.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 which involves application layer protocol manipulation, and T1190 which covers exploitation of remote services. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it involves user authentication and management functions that are typically critical system components. Organizations utilizing this system face potential data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and operational disruption. The vulnerability is especially dangerous in environments where the system handles sensitive personnel data or financial information related to project billing and resource allocation.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase. The immediate fix requires replacing direct string concatenation in database queries with prepared statements that separate SQL logic from user input. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input sanitization routines that filter or escape special characters that could be used in SQL injection attacks. Additionally, regular security code reviews should be conducted to identify similar patterns throughout the application, and the system should be updated to use modern database interaction frameworks that automatically handle parameterization. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and database activity monitoring should also be deployed to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The implementation of principle of least privilege access controls for database users and regular security assessments will further reduce the risk associated with this vulnerability.