CVE-2023-40992 in Hospital Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 08/07/2025
Hospital Management System 4 is vulnerable to a SQL injection in /Hospital-Management-System-master/func.php via the password2 parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-40992 affects the Hospital Management System version 4, specifically targeting the /func.php endpoint through improper input validation of the password2 parameter. This represents a critical security flaw that exposes the system to unauthorized data access and potential system compromise. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database query execution flow. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in healthcare environments where sensitive patient data and medical records are stored, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking to exploit weaknesses in medical information systems.
The technical implementation of this SQL injection vulnerability occurs when the application processes the password2 parameter without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. When a user submits data through this parameter, the system directly incorporates it into SQL queries without sanitizing special characters or SQL metacharacters that could alter the intended query structure. This allows attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious SQL code that can bypass authentication mechanisms, extract confidential data, or even modify database contents. The vulnerability specifically manifests in the function handling password verification or update operations, where the password2 parameter is processed without adequate input filtering.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass potential system compromise and regulatory compliance violations. Healthcare organizations utilizing this system face significant risks including unauthorized access to patient medical records, pharmaceutical inventory data, and administrative information. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability exists in a core system function that likely handles user authentication and password management operations. According to CWE-89, this vulnerability maps directly to SQL injection flaws that can lead to complete system compromise, data loss, and unauthorized access to sensitive healthcare information. The potential for credential theft and unauthorized access to medical databases makes this a high-severity issue for healthcare institutions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-40992 should prioritize immediate implementation of parameterized queries and input validation mechanisms to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations must implement proper input sanitization techniques that escape or filter special characters before incorporating user data into database queries. The solution involves adopting prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL code from data, ensuring that user input is treated as literal values rather than executable code. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules can provide additional layers of protection. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving command and control communication and credential access, making it a critical target for immediate remediation. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other system components, particularly focusing on database interaction functions and authentication mechanisms.