CVE-2023-2865 in Theme Park Ticketing System
Summary
by MITRE • 05/24/2023
A vulnerability was found in SourceCodester Theme Park Ticketing System 1.0. It has been classified as critical. This affects an unknown part of the file print_ticket.php of the component GET Parameter Handler. The manipulation of the argument id 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 identifier VDB-229821 was assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-2865 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the SourceCodester Theme Park Ticketing System version 1.0, specifically affecting the print_ticket.php file's GET parameter handler component. This weakness resides in the application's improper input validation mechanisms that fail to sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The vulnerability manifests when the id parameter is manipulated, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql commands that can be executed against the underlying database system. The flaw's classification as critical stems from its potential for unauthorized data access, data manipulation, and complete database compromise. This vulnerability impacts the system's integrity and confidentiality, as it enables attackers to extract sensitive information including user credentials, ticket details, and other proprietary data stored within the database. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system and can potentially exploit this vulnerability from any location with internet connectivity. The vulnerability's discovery and public disclosure through identifier VDB-229821 indicates that working exploit code likely exists, increasing the risk of widespread exploitation. The attack vector involves sending specially crafted sql injection payloads through the GET parameter id, which the application processes without adequate sanitization or parameterization. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 sql injection, which is a well-documented weakness in web applications that allows attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting sql code. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190, exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, and potentially T1071.004, application layer protocol, as it affects web-based components. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to modify or delete database records, create backdoor accounts, or escalate privileges within the application. Organizations utilizing this theme park ticketing system face significant risk of data breaches and potential regulatory violations if the vulnerability remains unpatched, as it provides attackers with direct access to sensitive operational data.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2023-2865 occurs through the manipulation of the id parameter in the print_ticket.php file, where the application directly incorporates user input into sql queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. This flaw enables attackers to construct malicious sql payloads that can bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive information from database tables, or modify existing records. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it through web browser interfaces or automated tools without requiring local system access. The application's failure to implement proper input validation and output encoding creates an environment where sql injection attacks can succeed, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary database commands. The vulnerability's critical classification indicates that it can be exploited without requiring special privileges or complex attack chains, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on the system for ticket management and customer data handling. The database access provided by this vulnerability can enable attackers to retrieve personal information of visitors, ticket pricing details, staff credentials, and other sensitive operational data. Security researchers have identified that the vulnerability exists due to inadequate protection mechanisms, specifically the absence of prepared statements or proper sql escaping functions. The exploitation process typically involves crafting specific sql injection payloads that can be passed through the id parameter, potentially using techniques such as union-based queries or error-based extraction methods to gather database schema information and extract data. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in web applications that handle financial transactions or personal data, as it can lead to complete data compromise and potential regulatory penalties.
Organizations affected by CVE-2023-2865 must implement immediate remediation measures to protect their systems from potential exploitation. The primary mitigation strategy involves patching the application to version 1.0.1 or later, which should include proper input validation and parameterized query implementations to prevent sql injection attacks. Security administrators should also implement web application firewalls that can detect and block sql injection attempts targeting the vulnerable parameter. Database access controls should be reviewed and strengthened, ensuring that application database accounts have minimal required privileges and that unnecessary database functions are disabled. Regular security scanning should be implemented to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application codebase, as the presence of one sql injection vulnerability often indicates potential for additional weaknesses. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The system should also implement proper logging and alerting mechanisms to track access to the print_ticket.php component and identify potential attack attempts. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to ensure no other components of the ticketing system are susceptible to similar sql injection flaws. Additionally, staff should be trained on secure coding practices and the importance of input validation. The vulnerability's public disclosure means that attackers may already be actively targeting systems, making immediate remediation critical. Security teams should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on suspicious sql queries that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular penetration testing should be conducted to verify that the implemented fixes are effective and to identify any remaining security gaps in the application architecture. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond immediate data theft, as it can provide attackers with persistent access to the system and potentially enable further attacks on the broader network infrastructure.