CVE-2022-2644 in Online Admission System
Summary
by MITRE • 08/04/2022
A vulnerability was found in SourceCodester Online Admission System and classified as critical. This issue affects some unknown processing of the component GET Parameter Handler. The manipulation of the argument eid leads to sql injection. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier VDB-205565 was assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2022
The CVE-2022-2644 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the SourceCodester Online Admission System, demonstrating a fundamental weakness in input validation and parameter handling within web applications. This vulnerability specifically targets the GET Parameter Handler component, which processes incoming http requests containing query parameters. The flaw manifests when the eid parameter is manipulated, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql commands that can be executed against the underlying database. The vulnerability's classification as critical indicates the potential for severe data compromise and system exploitation, making it a high-priority target for threat actors who have already published exploit details.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input within the application's parameter processing logic. When the application receives a request with the eid parameter, it fails to properly validate or escape the input before incorporating it into sql queries. This creates an environment where malicious actors can craft specific payloads that bypass normal input filtering mechanisms and directly manipulate the database query execution flow. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into sql commands without proper escaping or parameterization. The attack vector follows standard sql injection patterns where the attacker manipulates the parameter to alter the intended query structure and execute unauthorized database operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract confidential data including user credentials, personal information, and system configurations that are typically stored in the database. The disclosed exploit availability significantly increases the risk profile as it removes the need for advanced exploitation techniques and makes the vulnerability accessible to a broader range of threat actors. This vulnerability particularly affects educational institutions and administrative systems that rely on online admission processes, potentially compromising student records and institutional data integrity. The impact is further exacerbated by the fact that sql injection attacks can be used to escalate privileges, create backdoors, or even perform destructive operations on the database.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-2644 must focus on implementing robust input validation and parameterized query execution throughout the application codebase. Organizations should immediately implement proper parameter binding or escaping mechanisms for all database interactions, ensuring that user-supplied parameters are never directly incorporated into sql queries. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation rules can provide additional layers of protection by filtering malicious payloads before they reach the vulnerable components. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the entire application stack. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 (exploitation for lateral movement) and T1071.004 (application layer protocol: dns) as attackers may use the compromised system to establish further network access or exfiltrate data through various protocols. System administrators should also implement database activity monitoring and access controls to detect unauthorized database operations that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input handling in preventing sql injection attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.