CVE-2023-49547 in Customer Support System
Summary
by MITRE • 03/05/2024
Customer Support System v1 was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via the username parameter at /customer_support/ajax.php?action=login.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-49547 represents a critical security flaw in Customer Support System v1 that exposes the application to unauthorized data access through SQL injection techniques. This vulnerability specifically targets the username parameter within the ajax.php endpoint, which is used for authentication purposes. The affected system processes user input directly into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to manipulate database operations. The login action endpoint serves as the primary attack vector, making it particularly dangerous as it directly impacts user authentication mechanisms and could potentially lead to complete system compromise. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection flaws as weaknesses in software that allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the database.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and query construction practices within the customer support system's authentication module. When users attempt to log in through the ajax.php?action=login endpoint, the system accepts the username parameter and incorporates it directly into SQL query strings without adequate sanitization measures. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious input that alters the intended query structure, potentially extracting sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, or system configuration details. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture where dynamic SQL construction occurs without proper parameter binding or input filtering mechanisms. This weakness enables attackers to perform union-based attacks, time-based blind SQL injection, or error-based exploitation techniques to gain unauthorized access to the underlying database.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-49547 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with potential pathways for persistent system compromise and lateral movement within network environments. Successful exploitation could result in complete database exposure, allowing unauthorized users to view, modify, or delete critical customer support information including user accounts, support tickets, and communication logs. Organizations relying on this system may face regulatory compliance violations, data breach notifications, and significant reputational damage if sensitive customer information is compromised. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges within the system, potentially leading to full administrative control over the customer support infrastructure. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol and T1566 for credential harvesting, making it a valuable target for threat actors seeking to establish persistent access and expand their foothold within affected environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-49547 should prioritize immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries to eliminate the SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations must implement prepared statements or parameterized queries for all database interactions, particularly in authentication modules where user input directly influences SQL operations. The system should also incorporate comprehensive input sanitization measures that filter or escape special characters that could be used in SQL injection attacks. Regular security testing including automated vulnerability scanning and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar flaws throughout the application codebase. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring mechanisms around authentication endpoints can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The remediation process should follow industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, ensuring that the fix addresses not only the immediate vulnerability but also strengthens overall application security posture to prevent similar issues in other components of the customer support system.