CVE-2023-33367 in IDSecure
Summary
by MITRE • 08/05/2023
A SQL injection vulnerability exists in Control ID IDSecure 4.7.26.0 and prior, allowing unauthenticated attackers to write PHP files on the server's root directory, resulting in remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-33367 represents a critical security flaw in Control ID IDSecure version 4.7.26.0 and earlier installations. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's database interaction components, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through SQL injection techniques. The vulnerability affects the authentication and authorization framework of the software, particularly targeting the database layer where user inputs are processed without proper sanitization measures. Attackers can leverage this weakness to manipulate database queries and execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The flaw is particularly concerning because it allows unauthenticated access, meaning that any external party can exploit the vulnerability without requiring valid credentials or prior system access. This makes the attack surface significantly larger and increases the potential impact of exploitation. The vulnerability resides within the application's handling of user-supplied data that is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper parameterization or input filtering, creating a direct pathway for malicious data injection.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2023-33367 involves a multi-stage attack process that begins with the identification of vulnerable SQL query points within the Control ID IDSecure application. Attackers can craft malicious SQL payloads that bypass authentication mechanisms and manipulate the database to execute arbitrary commands. The specific implementation flaw allows for the injection of PHP code into the system through carefully crafted database queries, which are then executed by the web server as legitimate PHP files. This particular vulnerability demonstrates characteristics aligned with CWE-89 SQL Injection, where insufficient input validation permits attackers to manipulate backend database queries. The attack chain typically involves sending malicious input through web forms or API endpoints that are processed by the vulnerable application. Once the SQL injection is successful, the attacker can leverage the database manipulation capabilities to write PHP shell code directly to the web server's root directory, effectively bypassing traditional security controls. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-94 Code Injection further emphasizes the dangerous nature of the flaw, as it allows for arbitrary code execution through the manipulation of input data that gets interpreted as executable code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data compromise, as it creates a persistent backdoor for attackers to maintain long-term access to affected systems. Remote code execution capabilities enable attackers to install malware, establish persistence mechanisms, and conduct further reconnaissance activities within the network. The ability to write PHP files to the server root directory provides attackers with a reliable method for deploying web shells or other malicious payloads that can be used for ongoing system compromise. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on Control ID IDSecure for identity management and access control, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system takeover. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that organizations may remain unaware of compromise for extended periods, as there are no legitimate user activities that would trigger detection mechanisms. Network security monitoring systems may not immediately flag this activity as malicious, especially if the injected PHP files appear to be legitimate web content. The vulnerability can also be exploited to escalate privileges within the system, potentially allowing attackers to access sensitive data, modify system configurations, or disrupt business operations. Organizations using affected versions may experience significant reputational damage and regulatory compliance issues if the vulnerability is exploited to access sensitive information or disrupt critical services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-33367 must prioritize immediate software updates to the latest available version of Control ID IDSecure that contains patches for the identified SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to affected systems and reduce the potential blast radius of exploitation. Input validation and parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components. Security monitoring should include detection of unauthorized PHP file creation in web server directories, as this activity is indicative of exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other applications and systems. The implementation of web application firewalls and database activity monitoring can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also review and update their incident response procedures to ensure rapid detection and remediation of similar vulnerabilities. Access controls should be reviewed to ensure that only authorized personnel have the ability to modify web server content or database configurations. The vulnerability underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against SQL injection attacks. Regular security awareness training for development teams can help prevent similar flaws from being introduced in future software releases. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure that security updates are deployed promptly across all affected systems. The remediation process should include thorough testing to verify that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing system functionality while ensuring that the vulnerability is completely resolved.