CVE-2023-1062 in Doctors Appointment System
Summary
by MITRE • 02/27/2023
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in SourceCodester Doctors Appointment System 1.0. Affected is an unknown function of the file /admin/add-new.php of the component Parameter Handler. The manipulation of the argument email leads to sql injection. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. VDB-221826 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2023
This critical sql injection vulnerability exists in the SourceCodester Doctors Appointment System version 1.0 within the administrative parameter handler component. The flaw is specifically located in the /admin/add-new.php file where user input is improperly handled, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary sql commands. The vulnerability is triggered when the email parameter is manipulated, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql code that can be executed within the database context. This represents a fundamental breakdown in input validation and output encoding practices that violates core security principles outlined in owasp top ten and cwe-89 sql injection categories. The remote exploitability of this vulnerability means that attackers can leverage it without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle sensitive medical data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input within the parameter handler logic. When the email argument is passed to the sql query without proper escaping or parameterization, it allows attackers to manipulate the intended query structure. This creates opportunities for data exfiltration, unauthorized access to patient records, modification of appointment data, or even complete database compromise. The vulnerability aligns with attack pattern cwe-94 which describes code injection flaws where untrusted data is executed as code. The disclosure of the exploit through public channels such as vdb-221826 indicates that threat actors have already developed working payloads, significantly increasing the risk to systems in the wild.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass potential regulatory violations under healthcare data protection regulations such as hipaa. Medical appointment systems contain highly sensitive personal health information that when compromised can lead to identity theft, insurance fraud, and privacy violations. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that this vulnerability affects an administrative component that likely has elevated privileges and access to core database functions. Organizations running this system face potential compliance failures, reputational damage, and legal consequences if patient data is compromised. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access points within the network through database compromise, potentially enabling lateral movement to other systems within the organization's infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of the affected system to address the input validation flaw in the email parameter handling. Organizations should implement proper sql parameterization techniques and input sanitization measures to prevent similar issues in the future. Network segmentation and database access controls should be reviewed to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation rules can provide additional defense layers. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application. Compliance with security standards such as iso 27001 and nist cybersecurity framework should be maintained to ensure comprehensive protection against sql injection and other common web application vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of keeping third-party components updated and conducting thorough security testing before deployment in production environments.