CVE-2023-5918 in Visitor Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 11/02/2023
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in SourceCodester Visitor Management System 1.0. Affected is an unknown function of the file manage_user.php. The manipulation of the argument id leads to sql injection. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-244308.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-5918 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the SourceCodester Visitor Management System version 1.0. This system, designed for managing visitor records and access control, contains a dangerous code execution vulnerability that can be exploited remotely through the manage_user.php file. The vulnerability specifically manifests when an attacker manipulates the id parameter, which is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization measures. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands directly into the database query execution flow, potentially compromising the entire backend infrastructure. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses in software applications. The remote exploitability of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to execute malicious code, making it particularly dangerous for internet-facing applications.
The technical implementation of this sql injection vulnerability occurs within the manage_user.php file where user input containing the id parameter is directly incorporated into sql queries without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms. When an attacker submits a malicious id value, the application processes this input and constructs sql statements that can be manipulated to execute unintended database operations. This exploitation can result in unauthorized data access, data modification, or even complete database compromise. The vulnerability's classification as critical indicates that it provides attackers with substantial privileges that could lead to full system compromise. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, which describes techniques used to exploit applications accessible from the internet. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects a core user management function that likely handles sensitive visitor information, access credentials, and potentially administrative privileges within the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. An attacker who successfully exploits this sql injection could extract sensitive visitor data including personal identification information, access logs, and potentially administrative credentials stored in the database. The vulnerability also enables attackers to modify existing user records, create new administrative accounts, or even delete critical system data. Organizations using this visitor management system face significant risks including regulatory compliance violations, data breaches, and potential legal consequences due to exposure of sensitive information. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that threat actors can target the system from anywhere on the internet, making it difficult to predict or prevent attacks. Network security teams must consider this vulnerability as a high-priority threat requiring immediate remediation, as it provides attackers with a straightforward path to gain unauthorized access to critical organizational data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-5918 should focus on immediate patching of the SourceCodester Visitor Management System to version 1.0 or later, as vendors typically release security updates to address known vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase, particularly in the manage_user.php file where the vulnerability exists. Database access controls should be reviewed and restricted to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to limit access to the vulnerable system, reducing the attack surface. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and regular security training for development teams to prevent similar issues in future applications. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to continuously monitor for similar sql injection vulnerabilities across their entire infrastructure.