CVE-2022-34952 in Pharmacy Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 08/02/2022
Pharmacy Management System v1.0 was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via the id parameter at edituser.php.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2022
The Pharmacy Management System version 1.0 presents a critical SQL injection vulnerability that fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive pharmaceutical data. This vulnerability exists within the edituser.php script where the id parameter is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper input validation or sanitization. The flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input, potentially gaining unauthorized access to patient records, prescription information, and administrative credentials stored within the system's backend database.
This vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper escaping or parameterization. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the affected parameter is used in user management functions, suggesting that successful exploitation could provide attackers with elevated privileges and access to the entire user database. The vulnerability represents a significant weakness in the application's input handling mechanisms and demonstrates poor adherence to secure coding practices that are fundamental to preventing database injection attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it creates potential pathways for privilege escalation and persistent access to the pharmacy management system. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to modify user accounts, inject malicious code into the database, or extract confidential patient information that would violate healthcare privacy regulations such as HIPAA. The system's reliance on direct parameter concatenation in SQL queries without proper input sanitization creates an environment where even minor input manipulation can result in complete database compromise, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in healthcare environments where data protection is paramount.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase. The recommended approach involves replacing direct parameter concatenation with prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL command structure from data values. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, input sanitization, and output encoding would significantly reduce the attack surface. Security measures should also include regular code reviews focusing on database interaction patterns, implementation of web application firewalls, and comprehensive testing including automated vulnerability scanning and manual penetration testing to identify similar flaws in other endpoints. The remediation process must address the root cause by ensuring all database interactions follow secure coding practices that align with industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework.