CVE-2024-0524 in Url-shorting
Summary
by MITRE • 01/15/2024
A vulnerability was found in CXBSoft Url-shorting up to 1.3.1. It has been rated as critical. Affected by this issue is some unknown functionality of the file index.php. The manipulation of the argument url leads to sql injection. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. VDB-250694 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2024
This critical vulnerability in CXBSoft Url-shorting version 1.3.1 represents a severe sql injection flaw that directly impacts the application's core functionality through the index.php file. The vulnerability arises from improper input validation when processing the url argument parameter, creating an attack vector that allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database. The flaw exists within the application's handling of user-supplied input, where the url parameter is directly incorporated into sql queries without adequate sanitization or parameterization. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses in software applications. The public disclosure of this exploit, as indicated by VDB-250694, means that threat actors have already developed working payloads that can be immediately deployed against unpatched systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as sql injection attacks can enable complete database compromise including unauthorized access to user credentials, personal information, and application configuration details. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, extract sensitive data, modify or delete database records, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the affected system. The vulnerability's critical rating reflects its potential for widespread damage and the ease with which it can be exploited given that the exploit has already been disclosed to the public. The lack of vendor response to early disclosure attempts creates additional risk for organizations that may be unaware of the vulnerability or delayed in implementing mitigation measures.
Organizations utilizing this url-shortening application must immediately implement multiple layers of defense to protect against exploitation. The primary mitigation involves patching the application to version 1.3.2 or later, which should contain proper input validation and parameterized query execution. Until patching is complete, administrators should implement web application firewall rules that can detect and block sql injection patterns targeting the affected index.php endpoint. Network segmentation and least-privilege database access controls can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. The ATT&CK framework's T1190 technique for exploitation of remote services and T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage should be monitored for suspicious database connection patterns. Additionally, input validation should be strengthened to reject all non-alphanumeric characters in url parameters and implement proper sql parameterization techniques throughout the application codebase. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components that may be susceptible to similar injection attacks.