CVE-2023-3616 in Hotel Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 09/05/2023
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in Mava Software Hotel Management System allows SQL Injection.
This issue affects Hotel Management System: before 2.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/23/2026
The CVE-2023-3616 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Mava Software Hotel Management System version 1.9 and earlier, constituting a severe security weakness that directly undermines database integrity and system confidentiality. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands. The flaw manifests when the system fails to properly sanitize user inputs before incorporating them into SQL query structures, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database operations through crafted input sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the application layer where user-supplied data enters the system without adequate validation or sanitization processes. When the hotel management system processes user inputs through SQL queries, it does not employ proper parameterized queries or input filtering mechanisms that would prevent special SQL characters from being interpreted as command elements. Attackers can exploit this weakness by injecting malicious SQL code through input fields, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive guest data, reservation records, billing information, and administrative credentials stored within the database. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the core functionality of the hotel management system, providing attackers with comprehensive database access capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass full system compromise and potential business disruption. An attacker exploiting this SQL injection vulnerability could extract confidential guest information, modify reservation details, manipulate pricing structures, or even escalate privileges to gain administrative control over the entire system. The affected version range before 2.0 indicates that this represents a long-standing issue that was not properly addressed in the software lifecycle, leaving numerous installations vulnerable to exploitation. Organizations utilizing this system face significant regulatory compliance risks, as unauthorized data access violates privacy regulations such as gdpr and pci dss requirements for protecting sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-3616 must prioritize immediate system updates to version 2.0 or later, which presumably contains the necessary security patches and code modifications to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization procedures, ensuring all user inputs undergo strict filtering before database interaction. The deployment of parameterized queries and prepared statements represents the most effective technical countermeasures against this class of vulnerability, as these mechanisms separate SQL command structure from data content. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring systems can provide additional layers of protection while the primary fixes are being implemented. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to verify that the patched system maintains its integrity against similar vulnerabilities, and organizations should establish incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing robust software development practices that incorporate security testing throughout the application lifecycle to prevent such flaws from emerging in future releases.