CVE-2023-3987 in Simple Online Mens Salon Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 07/28/2023
A vulnerability was found in SourceCodester Simple Online Mens Salon Management System 1.0. It has been classified as critical. Affected is an unknown function of the file /admin/?page=user/manage_user&id=3. The manipulation of the argument id leads to sql injection. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-235608.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2023-3987 represents a critical sql injection flaw in the SourceCodester Simple Online Mens Salon Management System version 1.0, demonstrating a fundamental weakness in input validation and data handling within the administrative interface. This vulnerability exists within the user management functionality at the endpoint /admin/?page=user/manage_user&id=3 where the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the id parameter through direct input manipulation, enabling unauthorized database access and potential data compromise. The vulnerability's classification as critical reflects the severe implications of successful exploitation, particularly given that the attack can be launched remotely without requiring local system access or authentication. The disclosure of the exploit to the public community significantly increases the risk profile, as malicious actors can readily implement the attack vector without requiring advanced technical knowledge or development time.
The technical implementation of this sql injection vulnerability stems from improper parameter handling within the application's backend processing logic. When the id parameter is passed through the URL query string, the application fails to employ proper input validation or parameterized queries, instead concatenating user input directly into sql statements. This design flaw aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities resulting from inadequate input sanitization. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where user-provided data flows directly into database operations without adequate protection mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary sql commands, potentially gaining access to sensitive user data, modifying database records, or even escalating privileges within the system. The remote exploit capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or network, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in publicly accessible environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-3987 extends beyond simple data theft, encompassing potential system compromise and business disruption for organizations utilizing this salon management system. Successful exploitation could result in complete database exposure, allowing attackers to extract customer information including personal details, contact information, and potentially payment data if integrated with financial systems. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for data integrity attacks where malicious actors could modify user accounts, delete critical records, or manipulate system behavior. Organizations relying on this system face significant compliance risks, particularly if customer data is subject to regulations such as gdpr or pci dss. The disclosure of the exploit increases the likelihood of widespread exploitation across multiple installations, as attackers can readily identify and target vulnerable systems. This vulnerability directly maps to several attack techniques documented in the mitre att&ck framework under the initial access and persistence phases, specifically targeting credential access and privilege escalation capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-3987 require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized query usage throughout the application codebase. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization at all entry points, particularly for parameters used in database queries, and adopt prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. The application should enforce strict validation of the id parameter to ensure it contains only expected numeric values and reject any input containing sql keywords or special characters. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious query patterns. System administrators should also implement regular security audits and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation as outlined in owasp top ten security risks. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely updates and remediation of known vulnerabilities. Regular security training for development teams emphasizes the critical importance of input validation and secure coding practices to prevent similar issues in future application development cycles.