CVE-2024-5359 in Zoo Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 05/26/2024
A vulnerability was found in PHPGurukul Zoo Management System 2.1. It has been classified as critical. This affects an unknown part of the file /admin/foreigner-search.php. The manipulation of the argument searchdata leads to sql injection. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-266271.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-5359 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the PHPGurukul Zoo Management System version 2.1, specifically targeting the administrative interface component located at /admin/foreigner-search.php. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's search functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through the searchdata parameter. The flaw exists in the application's handling of user-supplied input, where direct concatenation of user-provided data into sql statements occurs without proper escaping or parameterization techniques, violating fundamental security principles for database interaction.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the searchdata argument within the foreigner-search.php file, which allows attackers to inject malicious sql payloads that can be executed within the database context. This remote attack vector means that adversaries can exploit the vulnerability without requiring physical access to the system or local network presence, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. The vulnerability's classification as critical indicates the potential for severe impact including unauthorized data access, data modification, or complete database compromise, with the public disclosure of exploitation techniques further amplifying the risk. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and secure coding practices for database interactions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to escalate privileges within the application, potentially gaining administrative control over the entire zoo management system. The compromised system could face data integrity issues, unauthorized modifications to animal records, visitor information, or operational data, while the application's availability might be threatened through potential database corruption or denial of service conditions. Organizations using this vulnerable software face significant risk of regulatory compliance violations, particularly if sensitive personal data or protected species information is stored within the compromised system, as the vulnerability directly impacts data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability's presence in the administrative interface makes it particularly attractive to attackers seeking to establish persistent access or to conduct reconnaissance activities against the broader network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching or upgrading to a version that addresses the sql injection vulnerability, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, including the adoption of prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit administrative access points, while comprehensive monitoring and logging should be implemented to detect anomalous database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other application components, and application firewalls or intrusion detection systems should be configured to block suspicious sql injection patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing secure coding practices throughout the software development lifecycle to prevent such exposure points from being created in the first place.