CVE-2023-1360 in Employee Payslip Generator with Sending Mail
Summary
by MITRE • 03/12/2023
A vulnerability was found in SourceCodester Employee Payslip Generator with Sending Mail 1.2.0 and classified as critical. This issue affects some unknown processing of the file classes/Users.php?f=save of the component New User Creation. The manipulation of the argument username 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-222863.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-1360 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the SourceCodester Employee Payslip Generator with Sending Mail version 1.2.0 application. This vulnerability resides in the file classes/Users.php within the New User Creation component, where improper input validation allows attackers to manipulate the username parameter during user registration processes. The flaw enables remote exploitation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered over network connections without requiring local system access. Security researchers have classified this vulnerability as critical due to its potential for unauthorized data access and system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the username argument within the user creation workflow, where the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user input before incorporating it into sql queries. This lack of input validation creates an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary sql commands through the username field, potentially gaining access to sensitive database information including user credentials, personal data, and system configuration details. The vulnerability's classification as a remote attack vector means that adversaries can exploit this flaw from external network locations without requiring physical access to the target system.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-1360 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute administrative commands within the database, modify user permissions, or even escalate privileges to gain full system control. The disclosure of this vulnerability through public channels, as indicated by the VDB-222863 identifier, increases the risk of widespread exploitation as threat actors can readily access detailed information about the attack methodology. Organizations running this specific version of the employee payslip generator are particularly vulnerable as the flaw exists in core user management functionality that is essential for system operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected application to version 1.2.1 or later, which should contain the necessary input validation fixes. Additionally, implementing proper parameterized queries and input sanitization measures within the application code can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to administrative functions, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unusual database access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 sql injection and follows attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under the T1190 exploitation for lateral movement category. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their software ecosystems.