CVE-2023-5814 in Task Reminder System
Summary
by MITRE • 10/27/2023
A vulnerability was found in SourceCodester Task Reminder System 1.0. It has been classified as critical. This affects an unknown part of the file /classes/Master.php?f=save_reminder. The manipulation of the argument id leads to sql injection. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. The identifier VDB-243645 was assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2023
The CVE-2023-5814 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the SourceCodester Task Reminder System version 1.0, specifically impacting the /classes/Master.php file through the f=save_reminder endpoint. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of the id parameter, creating a direct pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database operations. The flaw exists in the application's backend processing logic where user-supplied data flows directly into sql query construction without proper parameterization or filtering mechanisms. Security researchers have identified this issue as particularly dangerous due to its remote exploitability and the critical classification assigned by the vulnerability database.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a crafted id parameter value that contains malicious sql payloads to the save_reminder function. This allows for arbitrary sql command execution against the underlying database, potentially enabling attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even escalate privileges within the application's data layer. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as it can facilitate complete database compromise, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to user credentials, personal information, and other sensitive data stored within the system's database infrastructure. The remote attack vector means that no local system access or physical presence is required to exploit this flaw, making it particularly concerning for web applications.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations using the SourceCodester Task Reminder System, as it provides attackers with direct database access capabilities that can lead to data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The critical classification indicates that successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, making this vulnerability a prime target for malicious actors seeking to exploit web applications. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this vulnerability affects a core application function related to task reminders, which are likely to be frequently used by legitimate users, making the attack more difficult to detect and potentially allowing for prolonged unauthorized access. This flaw aligns with CWE-89 sql injection weakness category and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and proper output encoding to prevent sql injection attacks. The recommended approach involves applying the latest security patches provided by the vendor, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing database access controls, monitoring for suspicious sql patterns, and establishing incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following defense-in-depth strategies and adhering to secure coding guidelines as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks to prevent similar issues in web application development.