CVE-2024-42562 in Pharmacy Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 08/20/2024
Pharmacy Management System commit a2efc8 was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via the invoice_number parameter at preview.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2024
The Pharmacy Management System version commit a2efc8 contains a critical SQL injection vulnerability that poses significant security risks to healthcare organizations relying on this software for prescription and inventory management. This vulnerability specifically affects the preview.php endpoint and is triggered through the invoice_number parameter, making it a direct attack vector for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to sensitive pharmaceutical data. The vulnerability represents a classic input validation flaw where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into database queries without proper sanitization or parameterization.
This SQL injection vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands as a code injection weakness. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the application handles sensitive patient information including prescription details, medication records, and financial transactions. When an attacker exploits this vulnerability through the invoice_number parameter, they can manipulate database queries to extract confidential information, modify records, or potentially gain administrative access to the entire system. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as this could lead to prescription fraud, medication diversion, and compromise of patient privacy.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe for healthcare institutions using this system, as it creates a pathway for attackers to access protected health information and potentially disrupt pharmacy operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates silently, allowing attackers to perform database operations without detection while maintaining persistence within the system. This type of vulnerability is commonly mapped to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1566 which covers credential access through phishing or exploitation of vulnerabilities. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations under HIPAA and similar privacy frameworks if patient data is compromised through such vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate implementation of parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks, along with comprehensive input validation and sanitization of all user inputs. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, conduct regular security testing including penetration testing and vulnerability scanning, and establish proper access controls with least privilege principles. Additionally, the system should be updated to the latest version where this vulnerability has been patched, and all stakeholders should receive security awareness training regarding the risks of SQL injection attacks and proper input handling practices. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments in healthcare software systems that handle sensitive patient information and financial data.