CVE-2024-53544 in Smart Time Plus
Summary
by MITRE • 02/25/2025
NovaCHRON Zeitsysteme GmbH & Co. KG Smart Time Plus v8.x to v8.6 was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via the getCookieNames method in the smarttimeplus/MySQLConnection endpoint.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-53544 affects NovaCHRON Zeitsysteme GmbH & Co. KG Smart Time Plus software versions 8.x through 8.6, representing a critical SQL injection flaw that could enable unauthorized access to sensitive database resources. This vulnerability specifically manifests through the getCookieNames method within the smarttimeplus/MySQLConnection endpoint, creating an attack vector that allows malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters.
The technical flaw resides in the improper handling of user-supplied input within the MySQL connection component of the Smart Time Plus system. When the getCookieNames method processes requests, it fails to adequately sanitize or parameterize input data before incorporating it into SQL query structures. This design deficiency directly maps to CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a result of insufficient input validation and improper query construction. The vulnerability exploitation occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input that bypasses normal input validation mechanisms and injects arbitrary SQL commands into the backend database layer.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it could enable attackers to execute arbitrary database commands, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive employee time tracking data, personal identification information, and other confidential organizational data stored within the MySQL database. The implications are particularly severe given that Smart Time Plus systems typically manage critical time and attendance records for organizations, making the compromised data highly valuable for both financial fraud and corporate espionage. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges within the database environment and potentially establish persistent access points.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized query execution across all database interaction points within the Smart Time Plus system. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns targeting the affected endpoint. The vendor should provide a patched version that implements proper input sanitization and parameter binding mechanisms. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other endpoints that might be susceptible to similar injection flaws, particularly those handling user input through database connections. Additionally, implementing database activity monitoring and access controls can help detect unauthorized database queries and limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The remediation process should follow established cybersecurity frameworks such as those outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK matrix, specifically addressing techniques related to SQL injection and credential access.