CVE-2023-1503 in Alphaware Simple E-Commerce System
Summary
by MITRE • 03/20/2023
A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in SourceCodester Alphaware Simple E-Commerce System 1.0. This affects an unknown part of the file admin/admin_index.php. The manipulation of the argument username/password with the input admin' AND (SELECT 8062 FROM (SELECT(SLEEP(5)))meUD)-- hLiX leads to sql injection. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-223407.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2023
This critical sql injection vulnerability exists in the SourceCodester Alphaware Simple E-Commerce System version 1.0, specifically within the admin/admin_index.php file. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation when processing username and password parameters during administrative authentication. The malicious payload admin' AND (SELECT 8062 FROM (SELECT(SLEEP(5)))meUD)-- hLiX demonstrates a classic time-based sql injection technique where the attacker can manipulate the database to pause execution for five seconds, confirming the vulnerability through response timing. This type of injection allows attackers to extract database information without direct access to the database server, making it particularly dangerous for remote exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the common pattern described by CWE-89, which classifies sql injection as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into sql commands without proper sanitization or parameterization. The attack vector operates through the web application's authentication interface, where the attacker can leverage the time-based delay technique to infer database structure and contents. The vulnerability's classification as remote exploitability means that malicious actors can target the system from outside the local network without requiring physical access or prior authentication. This characteristic significantly increases the attack surface and potential impact of the vulnerability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it allows for complete administrative control of the e-commerce platform. An attacker could extract customer data, modify product listings, manipulate pricing, and potentially escalate privileges to gain full system access. The disclosed exploit code in VDB-223407 indicates that this vulnerability has already been weaponized by threat actors, making it a high-priority concern for all affected organizations. The time-based sql injection technique used here also suggests that the application may be vulnerable to more sophisticated attacks including blind sql injection, which could enable complete database enumeration and potential system compromise.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and proper authentication mechanisms. The solution should follow the principle of least privilege, ensuring that administrative functions require additional security measures beyond simple username/password authentication. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to monitor for exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the need for comprehensive application security testing and vulnerability management processes. Organizations must also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts.