CVE-2023-30058 in novel-plus
Summary
by MITRE • 09/11/2023
novel-plus 3.6.2 is vulnerable to SQL Injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2026
The novel-plus 3.6.2 web application presents a critical security vulnerability through SQL injection flaws that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to the underlying database system. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper parameter handling within the application's database interaction mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands through user-controllable parameters. The flaw exists in the application's handling of user inputs that are directly incorporated into SQL query constructions without adequate sanitization or parameterization, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate database queries and potentially extract, modify, or delete sensitive information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects a widely used content management system that likely processes user-generated content, authentication data, and other sensitive information through database operations.
The technical exploitation of this SQL injection vulnerability follows standard attack patterns where an attacker crafts malicious input that gets concatenated into SQL statements executed by the backend database. When the application fails to properly escape or parameterize user inputs, attackers can manipulate the intended query structure to execute unintended database operations. This can lead to unauthorized data access, privilege escalation, data corruption, or even complete database compromise depending on the attacker's skill level and the database permissions granted to the application. The vulnerability likely manifests through parameters used in search functions, login forms, or any user input fields that interact with the database, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various application interfaces.
The operational impact of this SQL injection vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass potential system compromise and business disruption. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can access sensitive user information, including personal details, authentication credentials, and potentially confidential business data stored in the database. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges within the database system, potentially gaining administrative access to database resources. Depending on the database configuration and the application's access controls, attackers might be able to execute system commands, access other databases, or even use the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws.
Mitigation strategies for this SQL injection vulnerability in novel-plus 3.6.2 must focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized query construction throughout the application codebase. The recommended approach involves adopting prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL command structure from user data, ensuring that user inputs are treated as literal values rather than executable code. Additionally, implementing comprehensive input sanitization, output encoding, and least privilege database access controls can significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls, database activity monitoring, and regular security code reviews to detect and prevent similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include thorough testing of all database interaction points and validation of input handling mechanisms to ensure that the fix does not introduce new vulnerabilities or break existing functionality. Security patches and updates should be applied immediately, and the application should be re-evaluated against established security frameworks including those referenced in the MITRE ATT&CK framework for database-based attacks.