CVE-2024-33247 in Employee Task Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 04/25/2024
Sourcecodester Employee Task Management System v1.0 is vulnerable to SQL Injection via admin-manage-user.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2025
The CVE-2024-33247 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Sourcecodester Employee Task Management System version 1.0, specifically affecting the admin-manage-user.php component. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and improper parameter handling when processing user-supplied data within the administrative user management interface. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate database queries through malicious input, potentially enabling unauthorized access to sensitive information and system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it targets the administrative interface, which typically holds elevated privileges and access to critical system data. This SQL injection vulnerability falls under CWE-89, which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. The affected system likely employs direct query construction without proper sanitization or parameterized queries, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits specially crafted input to parameters processed by the admin-manage-user.php script. The system fails to properly validate or sanitize user inputs before incorporating them into SQL queries, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code that executes with the privileges of the database user. This injection can result in unauthorized data retrieval, modification, or deletion of user accounts and related information. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers can potentially escalate privileges, access additional system components, and gain persistent access to the administrative environment. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and lacks proper database access controls, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking to compromise the employee task management system. The exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated using standard penetration testing tools, making it particularly dangerous in environments where such systems are publicly accessible.
The operational impact of this vulnerability poses substantial risks to organizations utilizing the Sourcecodester Employee Task Management System, particularly those handling sensitive employee data and administrative functions. Successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of the administrative interface, allowing attackers to manipulate user accounts, access confidential employee information, and potentially disrupt business operations. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the system, as unauthorized users can modify or delete critical user data, alter access permissions, and gain persistent access to the administrative environment. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, data breaches, and reputational damage if this vulnerability is exploited. The system's exposed administrative interface creates a direct pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and move laterally within the network. This vulnerability also represents a significant risk for organizations that rely on the system for critical business operations, as it could lead to service disruption and unauthorized modifications to employee task assignments and management data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-33247 should focus on implementing proper input validation, parameterized queries, and input sanitization techniques to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should immediately apply patches or updates provided by the vendor to address this vulnerability, as the system appears to be a legacy application requiring security updates. Implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules can help detect and prevent malicious SQL injection attempts. Database access controls should be reviewed and strengthened to limit the privileges of database users, ensuring that applications use least privilege principles. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the system. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions can help detect unauthorized access attempts and potential exploitation of this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper error handling that does not expose database structure information to users can prevent attackers from gaining insights into the underlying database schema. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the implemented fixes do not introduce new vulnerabilities while effectively addressing the SQL injection flaw in the admin-manage-user.php component.