CVE-2023-7177 in Online College Library System
Summary
by MITRE • 12/30/2023
A vulnerability classified as critical was found in Campcodes Online College Library System 1.0. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the file /admin/book_add.php of the component HTTP POST Request Handler. The manipulation of the argument category leads to sql injection. The attack can be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-249364.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-7177 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Campcodes Online College Library System version 1.0. This weakness specifically resides in the HTTP POST request handler component located in the /admin/book_add.php file. The vulnerability is triggered when an attacker manipulates the category parameter through HTTP POST requests, allowing for unauthorized database access and potential data compromise. The attack vector is remote, meaning that malicious actors can exploit this flaw without requiring physical access to the system infrastructure. The disclosure of this exploit to the public community significantly increases the risk of widespread exploitation, as security researchers and malicious actors alike can leverage the publicly available information to target vulnerable installations. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of the library management system's database containing sensitive information about books, users, and administrative data.
The technical implementation of this sql injection vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's backend processing logic. When the category parameter is submitted through the HTTP POST request to the book_add.php endpoint, the system fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before incorporating it into database queries. This allows attackers to inject malicious sql code that can manipulate the database structure, extract sensitive information, modify existing records, or even delete entire datasets. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into sql queries without proper escaping or parameterization. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the exploit is publicly available and can be readily implemented by threat actors seeking to compromise library management systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential service disruption. An attacker could leverage this sql injection to gain unauthorized administrative access to the library management system, enabling them to manipulate book inventories, alter user accounts, or even introduce malicious code into the application. The consequences for educational institutions using this software could be severe, including exposure of student and faculty data, disruption of library services, and potential regulatory violations under data protection frameworks. The remote nature of the attack means that organizations cannot rely on network segmentation or physical security measures to prevent exploitation, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for internet-facing applications. This weakness creates opportunities for advanced persistent threats that could persist within the system for extended periods while maintaining unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Organizations utilizing Campcodes Online College Library System version 1.0 must implement immediate mitigations to address this critical vulnerability. The primary remediation involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application's codebase, particularly in the book_add.php file where the vulnerability originates. Security patches should be applied immediately if available from the vendor, or organizations should implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting database permissions for the application's database user account to only necessary operations. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their web applications, implement regular penetration testing, and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input sanitization, as outlined in the software security guidelines referenced in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. The public disclosure of this exploit necessitates immediate action to prevent potential breaches and maintain the integrity of educational institution data systems.