CVE-2022-31339 in Simple Inventory System
Summary
by MITRE • 06/02/2022
Simple Inventory System v1.0 is vulnerable to SQL Injection via /inventory/login.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2022
The Simple Inventory System version 1.0 presents a critical security vulnerability through its login authentication endpoint located at /inventory/login.php which suffers from unvalidated input processing leading to SQL injection exploitation. This vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter sanitization within the application's database query construction logic, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the underlying sql query structure through crafted input. The flaw exists in the authentication mechanism where user credentials are directly incorporated into database queries without proper escaping or parameterization techniques, creating an attack surface that enables unauthorized access to the system's backend database.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic sql injection pattern where the application fails to properly validate or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into sql commands. When a user attempts to log in through the /inventory/login.php endpoint, the system processes the username and password fields without adequate sanitization measures, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql code that can manipulate the database query execution flow. This flaw specifically affects the authentication module and can be exploited to bypass normal login procedures, extract sensitive data, or potentially execute arbitrary database commands. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws in software applications and represents a fundamental weakness in input validation and query construction practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can enable attackers to gain comprehensive control over the inventory system's database backend. Successful exploitation could allow threat actors to retrieve all stored user credentials, inventory data, system configurations, and potentially escalate privileges to administrative levels. The vulnerability's accessibility through the login endpoint makes it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal attack surface knowledge and can be exploited by automated tools. Additionally, the compromised system could serve as a stepping stone for further lateral movement within network environments, especially if the database server hosts other sensitive applications or contains interconnected system information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate implementation of parameterized queries and input validation mechanisms throughout the application's database interaction layers. The recommended approach involves replacing direct string concatenation of user inputs with proper prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate sql command structure from data values. Input sanitization should be implemented at multiple layers including application-level validation, database-level escaping, and proper error handling that prevents information leakage. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit database server exposure, while regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts, and establish comprehensive monitoring systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process must include thorough code review and testing to ensure that all database interaction points are properly secured against similar injection attacks, aligning with industry standards such as owasp top ten and nist cybersecurity framework guidelines for web application security.