CVE-2023-41526 in Hospital Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 08/07/2025
Hospital Management System v4 was discovered to contain multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in func1.php via the username3 and password3 parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-41526 represents a critical security flaw within the Hospital Management System v4 software, specifically targeting the func1.php component through improper input validation mechanisms. This SQL injection vulnerability affects the username3 and password3 parameters, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive patient and administrative data. The flaw stems from inadequate sanitization of user inputs, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code that can be executed within the database context, thereby compromising the integrity and confidentiality of healthcare information systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a severe weakness in software applications that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through untrusted input. The vulnerability exists due to the application's failure to properly escape or parameterize user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL statements, creating an environment where malicious payloads can be interpreted as legitimate database commands. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even escalate privileges within the system, particularly given that the affected parameters are used for authentication purposes within a healthcare management platform.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-41526 extends beyond typical data breach scenarios due to the healthcare context where the system operates. The vulnerability could enable unauthorized access to patient medical records, treatment histories, personal identification information, and other sensitive healthcare data, potentially violating regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR. The authentication-related nature of the vulnerable parameters means that successful exploitation could allow attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms entirely, leading to full system compromise. This risk is particularly concerning in healthcare environments where data integrity and patient privacy are paramount, as the vulnerability could facilitate data exfiltration, system disruption, or even ransomware deployment through unauthorized access to critical infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. The system administrators should apply the latest security patches provided by the vendor, while also implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities throughout the application codebase. The remediation efforts must align with industry best practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, ensuring comprehensive protection against SQL injection threats. Organizations should also consider implementing database access controls, regular security training for developers, and establishing secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles, thereby addressing both the immediate threat and long-term security posture of healthcare information systems.