CVE-2023-1849 in Online Payroll System
Summary
by MITRE • 04/05/2023
A vulnerability was found in SourceCodester Online Payroll System 1.0. It has been declared as critical. Affected by this vulnerability is an unknown functionality of the file /admin/cashadvance_row.php. The manipulation of the argument id leads to sql injection. The attack can be launched remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier VDB-224989 was assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-1849 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the SourceCodester Online Payroll System version 1.0. This vulnerability specifically targets the administrative component of the system through the cashadvance_row.php file, which serves as a critical interface for managing employee cash advances. The flaw exists in the handling of the id parameter, which is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors. The vulnerability's classification as critical stems from its potential to allow unauthorized access to sensitive payroll data and system functionality.
The technical implementation of this sql injection vulnerability occurs when the application processes user-supplied id parameters within database queries without proper parameterization or input sanitization. Attackers can manipulate the id argument to inject malicious sql code that bypasses normal authentication mechanisms and directly interacts with the underlying database. This allows for data extraction, modification, or deletion of payroll records, employee information, and potentially system configuration data. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system and can leverage this vulnerability from external networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the ability to manipulate employee payroll records, potentially leading to financial fraud and system integrity compromise. The disclosure of the exploit to the public increases the likelihood of successful attacks, as threat actors can immediately implement the known techniques without requiring additional reconnaissance. This vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the payroll system, potentially disrupting business operations and exposing sensitive employee financial information to unauthorized parties.
Organizations utilizing this payroll system should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to protect against exploitation. The primary remediation involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. This includes sanitizing all user inputs, particularly those used in database queries, and implementing prepared statements or stored procedures to handle database interactions. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be deployed to monitor and filter malicious traffic patterns. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities throughout the application codebase. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 sql injection and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls including proper access controls, database security measures, and regular patch management procedures to prevent unauthorized system access and data compromise.