CVE-2022-36680 in Simple Task Scheduling System
Summary
by MITRE • 08/26/2022
Simple Task Scheduling System v1.0 was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via the id parameter at /classes/Master.php?f=delete_schedule.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2022
The Simple Task Scheduling System version 1.0 presents a critical SQL injection vulnerability that compromises the integrity of the underlying database infrastructure. This vulnerability exists within the application's handling of user input through the id parameter in the delete_schedule function located at /classes/Master.php. The flaw represents a fundamental breakdown in input validation and output encoding mechanisms that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database query execution pipeline. The vulnerability specifically affects the delete_schedule functionality, suggesting that attackers could manipulate the system's task deletion process to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or potentially execute destructive operations against the database.
This SQL injection vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category of CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws that occur when application code incorporates untrusted data into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. The attack vector leverages the id parameter, which is typically used to identify specific records for deletion operations. When this parameter is not properly validated or escaped, it creates an opportunity for attackers to construct malicious SQL payloads that bypass authentication mechanisms and manipulate database contents. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data manipulation as it can potentially allow attackers to extract confidential information, modify database structures, or even escalate privileges within the application's database environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for any organization relying on the Simple Task Scheduling System for task management and scheduling operations. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially delete critical scheduling data, access confidential task information, or manipulate the scheduling system to disrupt business operations. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the application's deletion mechanism, which suggests that it could be leveraged to cause service disruption or data loss. Given that scheduling systems often contain sensitive operational data, the exposure of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to business-critical information, potentially affecting operational continuity and regulatory compliance requirements. The vulnerability also represents a potential entry point for more sophisticated attacks that could leverage the compromised system to conduct lateral movement within network environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must focus on implementing robust input validation and parameterized query execution practices. The primary remediation involves ensuring that all user-supplied input, particularly the id parameter, undergoes strict validation and sanitization before being incorporated into database queries. Implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries would effectively prevent the injection of malicious SQL code by separating the SQL command structure from the data being processed. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and input filtering mechanisms that validate data types, lengths, and formats before processing. Additionally, regular security testing including automated vulnerability scanning and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar issues within the application's codebase. The implementation of web application firewalls and database activity monitoring systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Security patches should be applied immediately to address this vulnerability, and developers should follow secure coding practices that align with industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines to prevent similar issues in future development cycles.