CVE-2023-33439 in Faculty Evaluation System
Summary
by MITRE • 05/26/2023
Sourcecodester Faculty Evaluation System v1.0 is vulnerable to SQL Injection via /eval/admin/manage_task.php?id=.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2025
The Sourcecodester Faculty Evaluation System v1.0 contains a critical sql injection vulnerability in the admin/manage_task.php script where the id parameter is not properly sanitized before being used in database queries. This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with administrative privileges to execute arbitrary sql commands against the backend database, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. The flaw exists due to insufficient input validation and improper query construction techniques that fail to separate sql code from user input. According to cwe standards, this represents a classic cwe-89 sql injection vulnerability that occurs when untrusted data is directly incorporated into sql queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. The attack vector specifically targets the id parameter in the url path which is processed through the manage_task.php script, making it accessible to any user who has already gained administrative access to the system. This vulnerability falls under the attack technique t1071.004 application layer protocol tunneling as it exploits the web application's database communication channel.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft as it provides attackers with the ability to manipulate database contents, create new administrative accounts, extract sensitive information including user credentials, and potentially escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal effort to exploit once an attacker has administrative access, as the system already provides the necessary authentication context. Database enumeration becomes possible through error-based sql injection techniques, allowing attackers to discover table structures, column names, and other sensitive schema information. The affected system may contain personal identifiable information, academic records, and other sensitive data that could be compromised through this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. The code should be updated to use prepared statements with bound parameters instead of direct string concatenation in sql queries. All user inputs including the id parameter should undergo strict validation to ensure they conform to expected data types and formats. Regular security code reviews and automated static analysis should be implemented to identify similar vulnerabilities throughout the application codebase. Network segmentation and access controls should limit administrative access to only authorized personnel, reducing the attack surface. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for suspicious sql injection patterns and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with cwe-20 general weakness in input validation that emphasizes the importance of proper sanitization and validation of all external inputs. Organizations should also consider implementing regular penetration testing and vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors.