CVE-2024-0527 in Url-shorting
Summary
by MITRE • 01/15/2024
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, has been found in CXBSoft Url-shorting up to 1.3.1. This issue affects some unknown processing of the file /admin/pages/update_go.php of the component HTTP POST Request Handler. The manipulation of the argument version leads to sql injection. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier VDB-250697 was 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
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-0527 represents a critical sql injection flaw within CXBSoft Url-shorting version 1.3.1 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the administrative component of the application, specifically within the /admin/pages/update_go.php file which processes HTTP POST requests. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the version parameter submitted through the POST request handler, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors to manipulate database operations. The flaw's classification as critical indicates the potential for severe impact including unauthorized data access, data corruption, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability has been publicly disclosed with the VDB-250697 identifier assigned, suggesting that threat actors may already be leveraging this weakness in active attacks. The lack of vendor response to early disclosure attempts compounds the risk, leaving users without official patches or mitigation guidance during the period when the vulnerability is publicly known. This scenario exemplifies a dangerous security gap where vendors fail to respond adequately to disclosed vulnerabilities, leaving organizations exposed to potential exploitation.
The technical exploitation of this sql injection vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the version argument within the HTTP POST request processed by the update_go.php endpoint. When an attacker submits a maliciously crafted version parameter, the application's insufficient input validation allows the injected sql code to execute within the database context. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 which defines sql injection as the insertion of malicious sql fragments into input data that is then processed by a database. The attack vector specifically targets the administrative interface, suggesting that successful exploitation could provide attackers with elevated privileges and access to sensitive administrative functions. The exploitation process likely involves crafting sql payload strings that bypass normal input validation mechanisms, potentially allowing for data extraction, modification, or deletion of database records. The fact that this vulnerability affects the update_go.php file suggests it may be related to version update functionality, making it particularly dangerous as attackers could potentially manipulate update processes to gain deeper system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-0527 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within affected networks. Organizations utilizing CXBSoft Url-shorting version 1.3.1 or earlier face significant risk of unauthorized access to their database systems, potentially exposing sensitive user information, system configurations, and administrative credentials. The sql injection could enable attackers to escalate privileges, create backdoors, or establish persistent access to the affected system. Given that the vulnerability affects an administrative component, successful exploitation may provide attackers with complete control over the url shortening service, including the ability to modify or delete content, manipulate user accounts, or redirect traffic to malicious destinations. The public disclosure and available exploit code increase the likelihood of widespread exploitation, particularly in environments where patch management processes are delayed or ineffective. Network defenders must consider this vulnerability as a high-priority threat requiring immediate attention and mitigation strategies.
Organizations affected by CVE-2024-0527 should implement immediate defensive measures while pursuing official vendor patches or alternatives. The most effective immediate mitigation involves implementing web application firewalls with sql injection detection capabilities, disabling unnecessary administrative functions, and restricting access to the affected update_go.php endpoint through network segmentation. Input validation and sanitization should be strengthened at all application entry points, particularly for parameters that interact with database operations. Security teams should monitor database logs for suspicious sql queries and implement comprehensive audit trails to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's mapping to ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage indicates that attackers may leverage this vulnerability as part of broader attack chains targeting web applications. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions to detect anomalous sql patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Due to the vendor's lack of response, organizations may need to consider alternative url shortening solutions or implement custom security measures until official patches become available, though this approach carries inherent risks and requires careful implementation to avoid introducing new vulnerabilities.