CVE-2023-7175 in Online College Library System
Summary
by MITRE • 12/30/2023
A vulnerability was found in Campcodes Online College Library System 1.0. It has been rated as critical. Affected by this issue is some unknown functionality of the file /admin/borrow_add.php of the component HTTP POST Request Handler. The manipulation of the argument student leads to sql injection. The attack may be launched remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. VDB-249362 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-7175 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Campcodes Online College Library System version 1.0, specifically affecting the administrative component responsible for handling borrow requests. This vulnerability exists in the HTTP POST request handler located at /admin/borrow_add.php, where the student parameter is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization mechanisms. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the student argument through maliciously crafted SQL queries, potentially enabling unauthorized access to sensitive database information and full system compromise. The vulnerability's critical rating stems from its remote exploitability and the disclosure of working exploit code, making it immediately dangerous to systems running the affected software version.
The technical implementation of this SQL injection vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of user-supplied input within the student parameter of the HTTP POST request. When an attacker submits malicious input through this parameter, the application fails to properly escape or validate the data before incorporating it into SQL query construction. This allows attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands that execute within the database context, potentially enabling data extraction, modification, or deletion operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the administrative borrow management functionality, which suggests that successful exploitation could provide attackers with access to student records, borrowing history, and potentially other sensitive institutional data. The attack vector being remote means that no local access or authentication is required to exploit this vulnerability, significantly increasing its threat potential.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it could enable attackers to gain unauthorized administrative privileges within the library management system. This compromise could result in complete system takeover, allowing malicious actors to manipulate student records, alter borrowing policies, or even introduce backdoors for persistent access. The disclosure of exploit code (VDB-249362) means that the vulnerability is actively being exploited in the wild, making immediate remediation essential. Organizations utilizing this system face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences from unauthorized access to student information. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe given that library management systems often contain sensitive personal information including student identities, academic records, and borrowing behaviors that could be exploited for identity theft or other malicious purposes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-7175 must prioritize immediate patching of the affected Campcodes Online College Library System to the latest version that addresses this SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement input validation and parameterized queries to prevent similar issues in the future, following established security practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and CWE-89 for SQL injection prevention. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the vulnerable system, while database query logging and monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential SQL injection points within the organization's systems and ensure that all applications follow secure coding practices. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploit public-facing application, highlighting the need for robust application security controls and continuous monitoring of external attack surfaces.