CVE-2023-1908 in Simple Mobile Comparison Website
Summary
by MITRE • 04/06/2023
A vulnerability was found in SourceCodester Simple Mobile Comparison Website 1.0. It has been classified as critical. Affected is an unknown function of the file /admin/categories/view_category.php of the component GET Parameter Handler. The manipulation of the argument id 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-225150 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-1908 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the SourceCodester Simple Mobile Comparison Website version 1.0. This security weakness resides in the admin panel functionality, specifically within the categories view component where user input is processed through the GET parameter handler. The vulnerability manifests when the id parameter is manipulated, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql commands directly into the database query execution flow. The affected file path /admin/categories/view_category.php contains the vulnerable code that fails to properly sanitize or validate incoming user input before incorporating it into sql statements. This critical classification stems from the vulnerability's ability to enable remote code execution and complete database compromise without requiring authentication or privileged access. The exploit has been publicly disclosed and is actively being used in the wild, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for any organization running the affected software version.
The technical implementation of this sql injection vulnerability follows the classic pattern where the application directly concatenates user-supplied input into sql queries without proper input validation or parameterization. When an attacker submits a malicious id parameter value through the GET request, the application processes this input without sanitizing it against sql metacharacters or reserved keywords. This allows attackers to manipulate the intended sql query structure and potentially extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even execute administrative commands on the underlying database system. The vulnerability specifically targets the GET parameter handling mechanism within the admin categories view functionality, making it accessible through standard web browser requests. The attack vector operates entirely over the network without requiring physical access or complex exploitation techniques, which significantly increases the attack surface and potential impact.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential business disruption. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to sensitive user data, product information, and administrative credentials stored within the database. The remote exploit capability means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring local network access or physical presence. This vulnerability may enable attackers to escalate privileges, create backdoors, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. Organizations running this software version face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage. The public availability of the exploit increases the probability of widespread exploitation across multiple installations, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for businesses that have not yet patched their systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-1908 must include immediate patching of the affected software version to address the sql injection vulnerability in the GET parameter handler. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. The implementation of web application firewalls and input sanitization mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection against sql injection attacks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues within the application infrastructure. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-89 sql injection, which is categorized under the broader class of injection flaws that represent one of the most critical security vulnerabilities in web applications. The ATT&CK framework would classify this vulnerability under the T1190 exploit public-facing application technique, highlighting the importance of securing all application interfaces and implementing proper access controls to prevent unauthorized exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts and respond to security incidents promptly.