CVE-2023-6417 in Social Networking Script
Summary
by MITRE • 11/30/2023
A vulnerability has been reported in Voovi Social Networking Script that affects version 1.0 and consists of a SQL injection via update.php in the id parameter. Exploitation of this vulnerability could allow a remote attacker to send a specially crafted SQL query to the server and retrieve all the information stored in the application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-6417 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Voovi Social Networking Script version 1.0, specifically impacting the update.php endpoint through the id parameter. This vulnerability exposes the application to remote code execution risks where malicious actors can manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters. The flaw resides in the application's insufficient input validation mechanisms, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL commands that bypass normal authentication and authorization controls. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection as a serious weakness in software design that enables attackers to manipulate database operations. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it requires no authentication and can be exploited remotely, making it highly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise user data and system integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper parameter handling within the update.php script where user-supplied id values are directly incorporated into SQL query construction without adequate sanitization or parameterization. When an attacker submits a malicious id parameter, the application processes this input without proper validation, allowing SQL metacharacters to alter the intended query structure. This flaw enables attackers to extract sensitive information from the database including user credentials, personal data, and application configuration details. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard web application penetration testing methodologies, with the attacker potentially gaining access to administrative functions through database manipulation. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries target weaknesses in externally accessible web applications to gain unauthorized access to backend systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-6417 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent access for attackers. Database enumeration and extraction capabilities provided by this vulnerability allow threat actors to map user relationships, identify administrative accounts, and potentially escalate privileges within the social networking platform. The exposed data could include private messages, user profiles, and potentially sensitive system information that could be used for further attacks or sold on dark web markets. Organizations using this vulnerable software face significant regulatory compliance risks, particularly under data protection laws such as gdpr and ccpa, where unauthorized data access constitutes serious violations. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to inject malware or establish backdoors within the compromised environment, making it a critical security concern for any organization relying on the affected social networking platform.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-6417 must focus on immediate remediation through proper input validation and parameterized query implementation. Organizations should implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, while also applying the latest security patches provided by the software vendor. The recommended approach includes implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries to ensure that user input cannot alter the structure of SQL commands. Additionally, input sanitization should be enforced at multiple layers including application code, database access controls, and network-level protections. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. According to industry best practices, organizations should conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The implementation of principle of least privilege for database accounts and regular security audits can significantly reduce the impact of such vulnerabilities. Organizations should also establish incident response procedures specifically designed to address SQL injection attacks and ensure proper notification protocols are in place for affected users and regulatory bodies.