CVE-2024-10422 in Attendance and Payroll System
Summary
by MITRE • 10/27/2024
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, has been found in SourceCodester Attendance and Payroll System 1.0. This issue affects some unknown processing of the file /admin/overtime_add.php. The manipulation of the argument id leads to sql injection. The attack may be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2024
This critical vulnerability in SourceCodester Attendance and Payroll System version 1.0 represents a severe sql injection flaw that undermines the system's database security. The vulnerability specifically resides in the /admin/overtime_add.php file where improper input validation allows malicious actors to manipulate the id parameter through sql injection attacks. This weakness enables attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database, potentially compromising all stored data including employee records, payroll information, and administrative credentials. The remote exploitation capability means that threat actors can leverage this vulnerability without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on this payroll management solution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows established patterns of sql injection attacks where the attacker manipulates the id parameter to inject malicious sql code. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses sql injection flaws in software applications. The attack vector operates through the web application's interface where the id parameter is directly incorporated into sql queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. The disclosed exploit demonstrates how an attacker can construct malicious payloads that bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to sensitive database contents.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential regulatory violations. Organizations using this payroll system face significant risks including unauthorized access to confidential employee information, manipulation of payroll records, and potential financial fraud. The exposure of payroll data creates opportunities for identity theft and social engineering attacks against employees. Additionally, the vulnerability may enable attackers to escalate privileges within the application, potentially allowing them to modify system configurations or establish persistent access through backdoor accounts. This represents a direct violation of data protection regulations such as gdpr and ccpa where unauthorized access to personal information can result in substantial financial penalties and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application code, specifically in the /admin/overtime_add.php file where the vulnerability occurs. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls to detect and block sql injection attempts, while also implementing principle of least privilege access controls for administrative functions. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The system should be updated to the latest version where this vulnerability has been patched, and organizations should consider implementing database activity monitoring to detect anomalous sql queries. Additionally, staff training on secure coding practices and regular penetration testing can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future system deployments. This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of following secure coding standards and maintaining up-to-date security measures to protect sensitive organizational data from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.