CVE-2023-2149 in Online Thesis Archiving System
Summary
by MITRE • 04/18/2023
A vulnerability classified as critical was found in Campcodes Online Thesis Archiving System 1.0. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the file /admin/user/manage_user.php. The manipulation of the argument id leads to sql injection. The attack can be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. VDB-226270 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-2149 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Campcodes Online Thesis Archiving System version 1.0. This security weakness resides in the administrative user management component, specifically within the /admin/user/manage_user.php file. The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization when processing the id parameter, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input. The attack vector is remotely exploitable, meaning that unauthorized users can potentially leverage this flaw without requiring physical access to the system infrastructure. This critical classification indicates the severity of potential impact, as sql injection vulnerabilities can enable attackers to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or potentially escalate privileges within the affected system. The vulnerability's disclosure in public databases such as VDB-226270 suggests that threat actors may already be actively exploiting this weakness, increasing the urgency for system administrators to implement protective measures. The flaw directly maps to CWE-89 which defines sql injection as the insertion of malicious sql statements into input fields for execution by the database, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the exploitation of vulnerabilities in software to gain unauthorized access to systems.
The technical exploitation of this sql injection vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a maliciously crafted id parameter to the manage_user.php endpoint. The application fails to properly sanitize or parameterize this input before incorporating it into sql queries, allowing attackers to inject additional sql commands that can manipulate the database behavior. This vulnerability enables a wide range of malicious activities including but not limited to unauthorized data access, data modification, privilege escalation, and potentially full system compromise. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet, without requiring local network access or physical presence. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that this affects the administrative user management functionality, which typically handles sensitive user account information, access permissions, and system configuration data. The vulnerability's presence in the administrative interface increases the potential impact significantly, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges and control over user accounts within the thesis archiving system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification to potentially compromise the entire integrity of the thesis archiving system. Organizations relying on Campcodes Online Thesis Archiving System may face serious consequences including unauthorized access to student research data, academic records, and potentially personal information of users. The sql injection could enable attackers to extract entire database contents including user credentials, which might then be used to access other systems where the same credentials are employed. Furthermore, the vulnerability could facilitate data corruption or deletion, disrupting academic processes and potentially affecting research integrity. The public disclosure of the exploit increases the likelihood of widespread exploitation, as threat actors can readily implement the attack without requiring advanced technical skills. System administrators face the challenge of securing systems that may already be compromised, potentially requiring complete system reinstallation or database reconstruction to ensure security. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate system but also creates potential risks for network-wide attacks if the compromised system serves as a gateway to other internal resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-2149 should prioritize immediate remediation through software updates and patches provided by Campcodes or the vendor. Until official patches are available, organizations should implement input validation measures such as parameterized queries and prepared statements to prevent sql injection attacks. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious sql injection attempts. Access controls should be strengthened to limit administrative privileges and implement principle of least privilege. Regular database audits and monitoring should be conducted to identify any unauthorized access attempts or data modifications. System administrators should also consider implementing database activity monitoring to detect suspicious sql queries that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments of web applications. Organizations should also maintain up-to-date vulnerability scanning tools to identify similar weaknesses in other systems and applications. Additionally, implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts and regular credential rotation can reduce the impact of potential credential compromise. Security awareness training for system administrators and developers can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future code development cycles. The incident underscores the critical need for maintaining current security patches and conducting regular security assessments to protect against known vulnerabilities in web applications.