CVE-2023-31842 in Faculty Evaluation System
Summary
by MITRE • 05/15/2023
Sourcecodester Faculty Evaluation System v1.0 is vulnerable to SQL Injection via /eval/index.php?page=edit_faculty&id=.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2025
The CVE-2023-31842 vulnerability affects the Sourcecodester Faculty Evaluation System version 1.0, representing a critical security flaw that exposes the application to unauthorized data access and potential system compromise. This vulnerability specifically targets the administrative interface of the faculty evaluation system where user input is not properly sanitized before being processed by the backend database. The affected endpoint /eval/index.php?page=edit_faculty&id= serves as the primary attack vector, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the database queries through crafted input parameters that bypass normal validation mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this SQL injection vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the application's backend processing logic. When an attacker submits malicious input through the id parameter in the edit_faculty page, the system fails to properly escape or parameterize the user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. This flaw aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is directly included in SQL command construction without proper sanitization. The vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database, potentially leading to complete data exposure, modification, or deletion of critical educational evaluation information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and gain deeper access to the system infrastructure. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including faculty personal details, evaluation results, and potentially administrative credentials stored within the database. The implications are particularly severe in academic environments where such systems handle confidential personal and performance data. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Proxy Process, where attackers can use the compromised system as a pivot point to target other internal systems. The vulnerability also relates to T1071.004 - Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as attackers may use the compromised system to establish command and control communications. The system's exposure through the web interface makes it particularly susceptible to automated exploitation tools that scan for common SQL injection patterns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application's codebase, specifically targeting the id parameter in the edit_faculty endpoint. Database access should be restricted to minimal required privileges, and all user inputs should undergo strict sanitization before processing. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious SQL injection attempts, while also implementing regular security code reviews and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, the system should enforce proper authentication and authorization controls, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access sensitive administrative functions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and demonstrates how seemingly simple input fields can create significant security risks when not properly validated against malicious input patterns.