CVE-2023-45112 in Online Examination System
Summary
by MITRE • 11/02/2023
Online Examination System v1.0 is vulnerable to multiple Unauthenticated SQL Injection vulnerabilities. The 'feedback' parameter of the feed.php resource does not validate the characters received and they are sent unfiltered to the database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2023
The Online Examination System v1.0 presents a critical security vulnerability through multiple unauthenticated SQL injection flaws that directly compromise database integrity and confidentiality. This vulnerability specifically targets the feed.php resource where the 'feedback' parameter fails to implement proper input validation mechanisms, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The absence of input sanitization allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly through the feedback parameter, potentially enabling complete database access and manipulation. This vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper validation or escaping. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that no authentication is required to exploit these flaws, making them accessible to any external party with knowledge of the system's structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper parameter handling within the feed.php script where user-supplied feedback data flows directly into database queries without any sanitization or validation processes. When an attacker submits malicious input through the feedback parameter, the application processes this data without filtering or escaping special SQL characters such as single quotes, semicolons, or comment markers. This allows attackers to craft SQL commands that can manipulate the database structure, extract sensitive information, or even execute administrative operations on the underlying database system. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be leveraged to bypass authentication mechanisms, read unauthorized data, modify database contents, or potentially escalate privileges within the system. This type of injection attack follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which describes application layer protocol manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to extract sensitive examination data, student information, or system credentials stored within the database. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that no legitimate user credentials are required to initiate exploitation, significantly increasing the attack surface and potential damage. Organizations relying on this system could face regulatory compliance violations, reputational damage, and financial losses from data breaches. The vulnerability also provides attackers with opportunities to establish persistent access patterns or deploy additional malicious payloads. Given that this is a web-based application, the attack can be executed remotely without requiring physical access to the system infrastructure. The lack of input validation creates a fundamental security gap that violates core principles of secure coding practices and data protection standards.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements within the Online Examination System v1.0. The primary recommendation involves implementing comprehensive input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly the feedback field in feed.php. This includes employing parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks, as well as implementing proper character encoding and escaping mechanisms. Organizations should also implement proper authentication and authorization controls, even for seemingly benign features like feedback submission. The system should enforce rate limiting and monitoring for unusual parameter patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities throughout the application. Implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection. The remediation process should follow established security frameworks such as OWASP Top 10 guidelines and NIST cybersecurity standards to ensure comprehensive protection against similar vulnerabilities. Regular security training for developers and implementation of secure coding practices are essential for preventing such issues in future releases.