CVE-2023-3177 in Lost and Found Information System
Summary
by MITRE • 06/09/2023
A vulnerability has been found in SourceCodester Lost and Found Information System 1.0 and classified as critical. Affected by this vulnerability is an unknown functionality of the file admin\inquiries\view_inquiry.php. The manipulation leads to sql injection. The attack can be launched remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-231151.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-3177 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 dangerous code execution vulnerability in the admin\inquiries iew_inquiry.php file that exposes the entire application to severe security risks. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, allowing attackers to manipulate database queries through maliciously crafted inputs. The attack vector is remote, meaning that unauthorized individuals can exploit this weakness without requiring physical access to the system or local network privileges, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible.
The technical exploitation of this sql injection vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary database commands, potentially leading to complete data compromise, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and in severe cases, full system control. The vulnerability specifically affects the administrative interface functionality, which suggests that successful exploitation could provide attackers with administrative privileges within the lost and found system. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of CWE - Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command, which is a well-documented weakness in database security that occurs when user input is directly incorporated into sql queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a Database Injection technique, specifically targeting the sql injection tactic under the credential access and persistence phases of an attack lifecycle.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to manipulate the lost and found records, potentially deleting important information, creating false entries, or even corrupting the entire database structure. The disclosure of the exploit to the public means that this vulnerability is no longer a theoretical threat but an active risk that malicious actors can immediately leverage. Organizations running this specific version of the SourceCodester Lost and Found Information System are particularly vulnerable, as the system likely lacks proper input validation mechanisms and robust database access controls. The remote nature of the exploit further compounds the risk, as attackers can target the system from anywhere on the internet without requiring any specialized local access conditions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-3177 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected system to address the sql injection vulnerability in the admin\inquiries iew_inquiry.php file. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application to prevent similar issues in other components. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of the vulnerable system, while regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify other potential vulnerabilities. The implementation of web application firewalls and database activity monitoring systems can provide additional layers of protection against sql injection attacks, and all users should be educated about the risks associated with exploiting publicly disclosed vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of keeping software components updated and following secure coding practices that prevent sql injection through proper input sanitization and query parameterization techniques.