CVE-2024-40477 in Old Age Home Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2024
A SQL injection vulnerability in "/oahms/admin/forgot-password.php" in PHPGurukul Old Age Home Management System v1.0 allows an attacker to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the "email" parameter.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2024
The CVE-2024-40477 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Old Age Home Management System version 1.0 developed by PHPGurukul. This vulnerability specifically targets the forgot-password functionality exposed through the /oahms/admin/forgot-password.php endpoint, making it a prime target for attackers seeking unauthorized access to administrative systems. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization of user-provided data, particularly the email parameter that is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without adequate protection mechanisms. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it allows remote attackers to manipulate database queries through seemingly benign user input, potentially leading to complete database compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the email parameter field in the forgot-password form. The application fails to properly escape or parameterize the input before incorporating it into database queries, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious SQL code. This flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database, potentially allowing them to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even gain elevated privileges within the system. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it targets an administrative function, meaning successful exploitation could provide attackers with access to privileged user accounts and sensitive data related to elderly residents and system administration. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this vulnerability can be exploited without authentication, making it particularly dangerous for systems accessible over the internet.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-40477 extends beyond simple data theft, as it represents a fundamental breach in application security that could lead to complete system compromise. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially access personal health information, financial records, and administrative credentials of the elderly care facility. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which involves application layer protocol manipulation, and T1190, which focuses on exploit public-facing applications. The vulnerability could also enable attackers to perform data manipulation attacks, potentially altering resident records or administrative configurations, leading to operational disruptions and potential safety risks for elderly residents. Organizations using this system face significant regulatory compliance risks, particularly if they handle protected health information, as such vulnerabilities would likely violate data protection regulations and cybersecurity standards.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-40477 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most critical immediate action involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application, specifically ensuring that all user inputs are properly sanitized before database interaction. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, while also implementing proper output encoding to prevent reflected XSS attacks that could compound the vulnerability. The system should be updated to the latest version provided by PHPGurukul, as this vulnerability is likely to have been addressed in newer releases. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns, and access controls should be strengthened around administrative functions. Additionally, regular security testing including automated vulnerability scanning and manual penetration testing should be implemented to identify similar weaknesses in other application components. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and regular security audits to ensure ongoing protection against similar vulnerabilities.