CVE-2024-30163 in Invision Community
Summary
by MITRE • 06/07/2024
Invision Community before 4.7.16 allow SQL injection via the applications/nexus/modules/front/store/store.php IPS\nexus\modules\front\store\_store::_categoryView() method, where user input passed through the filter request parameter is not properly sanitized before being used to execute SQL queries. This can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers to carry out Blind SQL Injection attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-30163 affects Invision Community versions prior to 4.7.16 and represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the nexus application module. This vulnerability specifically resides in the applications/nexus/modules/front/store/store.php file where the _categoryView() method processes user input without adequate sanitization measures. The flaw manifests when request parameters, particularly the filter parameter, are directly incorporated into database queries without proper input validation or escaping mechanisms. This represents a classic SQL injection vector that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input handling within the application's data processing layer. When the filter parameter is passed to the _categoryView() method, the application fails to implement proper parameterized queries or input sanitization techniques. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code that gets executed within the database context. The vulnerability is classified as a blind SQL injection because attackers can infer database structure and contents through response timing variations or conditional responses, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without direct error messages.
Security implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple data theft as it provides attackers with extensive database access capabilities. Unauthenticated attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or potentially escalate privileges within the application environment. The impact is significant because the vulnerability affects core application functionality related to store operations, which typically contain user data, transaction records, and business-critical information. The lack of authentication requirements makes this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors as it requires no prior access credentials to exploit.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-30163 can be severe for organizations using affected Invision Community versions. Attackers can potentially access user accounts, personal information, payment details, and other sensitive data stored within the database. The vulnerability's location within the store module suggests that e-commerce functionality may be compromised, potentially affecting financial transactions and customer data. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues, reputational damage, and potential legal consequences if sensitive data is exposed through exploitation of this vulnerability. The blind nature of the injection means that detection may be challenging as attacks can be conducted without obvious error indicators.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to version 4.7.16 or later where the SQL injection flaw has been addressed. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and parameterized query mechanisms throughout their applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious SQL injection patterns in application traffic. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a technique commonly mapped to ATT&CK tactic TA0006 (Credential Access) and TA0002 (Execution) within the MITRE ATT&CK framework. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their application code to identify other potential injection points and ensure proper input sanitization practices are implemented across all database interaction points.