CVE-2023-50070 in Customer Support System
Summary
by MITRE • 12/30/2023
Sourcecodester Customer Support System 1.0 has multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in /customer_support/ajax.php?action=save_ticket via department_id, customer_id, and subject.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2024
The CVE-2023-50070 vulnerability affects the Sourcecodester Customer Support System version 1.0, specifically targeting the /customer_support/ajax.php endpoint with action parameter set to save_ticket. This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands through manipulated input parameters. The affected parameters include department_id, customer_id, and subject, which are processed without proper input validation or sanitization mechanisms. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without adequate protection measures. This type of vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate database queries and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive customer information, system data, or even escalate privileges within the application environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly escape or parameterize user-supplied input values before incorporating them into SQL queries. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that manipulate the database structure by injecting SQL syntax into the department_id, customer_id, or subject parameters. When these parameters are processed by the save_ticket functionality, the malformed input gets directly concatenated into SQL commands, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary database operations. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it leverages an AJAX endpoint that likely handles sensitive customer support data, making it a prime target for data exfiltration and system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploitation of remote services through the injection of malicious code into SQL queries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass potential complete system compromise and unauthorized access to customer support records. Attackers could extract confidential customer information including personal details, support ticket history, communication logs, and potentially administrative credentials stored within the database. The vulnerability also enables attackers to modify existing records or insert malicious entries into the support system, potentially leading to service disruption or the creation of false support tickets. Given that this is a customer support system, the compromised data could include sensitive information such as account details, service requests, and communication records that could be used for identity theft, fraud, or social engineering attacks. The attack could also potentially be used to escalate privileges within the system if the database user has elevated permissions. Organizations utilizing this vulnerable system face significant risk of regulatory compliance violations and potential legal consequences due to data exposure. Mitigation strategies should include immediate input validation and parameterized queries implementation, along with comprehensive security testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and the implementation of secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top 10 and other industry security standards.