CVE-2023-3176 in Lost and Found Information System
Summary
by MITRE • 06/09/2023
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in SourceCodester Lost and Found Information System 1.0. Affected is an unknown function of the file admin\user\manage_user.php. 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-231150 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-3176 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the SourceCodester Lost and Found Information System version 1.0. This system, designed for managing lost and found items, contains a critical security weakness in its administrative user management component. The vulnerability specifically resides in the admin\user\manage_user.php file where an unvalidated input parameter is processed without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms. The flaw occurs when the id argument is passed to the affected function, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands into the database query execution flow. This particular vulnerability demonstrates a classic sql injection vector that allows attackers to manipulate the underlying database operations through crafted input parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through remote code execution capabilities that enable attackers to manipulate the database directly. When the id parameter is submitted to the manage_user.php script, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before incorporating it into sql queries. This allows an attacker to craft malicious input that alters the intended query structure, potentially enabling data extraction, modification, or deletion operations. The vulnerability's classification as critical stems from its ability to be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to technique T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS), as it represents an attack against a public web application interface. The CWE database categorizes this as CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command, which specifically addresses the failure to properly escape or parameterize sql input values.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise to potentially enable full system takeover. Attackers can leverage this sql injection flaw to extract sensitive user information, modify existing user accounts, or even escalate privileges within the application. The disclosed exploit status means that malicious actors have already developed working attack vectors against this vulnerability, increasing the risk of exploitation. Organizations running this version of the Lost and Found Information System face significant exposure to data breaches, unauthorized access, and potential service disruption. The vulnerability's remote attack surface means that any user with access to the web application can potentially exploit this flaw, making it particularly concerning for systems that handle sensitive personal information or organizational data. The lack of proper input validation and parameterization creates a persistent threat that can be exploited repeatedly by attackers until the underlying code is properly patched.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the root cause of the sql injection flaw. The primary remediation involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application's database interaction components. Specifically, the id parameter in the manage_user.php file must be validated against expected input formats and sanitized before being incorporated into sql statements. Organizations should implement prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks, as recommended by the OWASP Top Ten project and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and input sanitization measures will significantly reduce the attack surface. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application codebase. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection while permanent fixes are being implemented. Security patches should be applied immediately, and system administrators should monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts or unauthorized access patterns. The vulnerability's classification as critical necessitates immediate remediation efforts to protect against potential data breaches and unauthorized system access.