CVE-2022-2679 in Interview Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 08/06/2022
A vulnerability was found in SourceCodester Interview Management System 1.0. It has been rated as critical. This issue affects some unknown processing of the file /viewReport.php. The manipulation of the argument id with the input (UPDATEXML(9729,CONCAT(0x2e,0x716b707071,(SELECT (ELT(9729=9729,1))),0x7162766a71),7319)) leads to sql injection. The attack may be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-205667.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-2679 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the SourceCodester Interview Management System version 1.0. This system, designed for managing interview processes, contains a dangerous processing flaw in the /viewReport.php file that allows attackers to manipulate database operations through crafted input parameters. The vulnerability's classification as critical indicates severe potential impact on system integrity and data confidentiality, with the risk of complete system compromise. The attack vector is remotely exploitable, meaning unauthorized users can target the system without physical access, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in web-facing environments where such systems are commonly deployed.
The technical exploitation mechanism leverages the UPDATEXML function within mysql database systems to execute malicious sql commands. The attack payload specifically targets the id parameter in the /viewReport.php file and utilizes a complex injection string that combines hexadecimal encoding with conditional logic through the ELT function. This sophisticated approach demonstrates the attacker's understanding of mysql's xml handling capabilities and demonstrates a level of technical expertise that makes this vulnerability particularly concerning. The injection technique employs the CONCAT function to construct a malicious xml structure that triggers the sql injection when processed by the vulnerable application, bypassing standard input validation mechanisms through the use of database-specific functions that are not typically filtered by common security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database, potentially leading to data exfiltration, unauthorized user creation, system modification, or even complete database destruction. The disclosed exploit availability means that security researchers and malicious actors alike can readily implement this attack, significantly increasing the risk exposure for affected systems. Organizations running this specific version of the Interview Management System face immediate risk of unauthorized access to sensitive interview data, candidate information, and potentially other system-related data stored within the database. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems from anywhere on the internet, eliminating the need for local network access or physical presence.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-2679 must focus on immediate patching of the vulnerable application to the latest version that addresses this specific sql injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and parameterized queries to prevent similar issues in future development cycles. The use of web application firewalls and sql injection detection systems can provide additional layers of protection while patches are being deployed. Database access controls should be reviewed to ensure that application accounts have minimal necessary privileges and that sensitive data is properly encrypted both at rest and in transit. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 sql injection weakness category and represents a technique that would be classified under ATT&CK tactics including command and control through database manipulation and privilege escalation via data access. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potential sql injection points within their infrastructure and ensure that all applications follow secure coding practices that prevent parameterized input handling and proper input sanitization.