CVE-2024-53604 in COVID 19 Testing Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 11/27/2024
A SQL Injection vulnerability was found in /covid-tms/check_availability.php in PHPGurukul COVID 19 Testing Management System v1.0, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the mobnumber POST request parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2025
The CVE-2024-53604 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the PHPGurukul COVID 19 Testing Management System version 1.0, specifically targeting the /covid-tms/check_availability.php endpoint. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the mobnumber POST request parameter, creating an exploitable entry point for remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries. The flaw exists in the application's handling of user-supplied data, where the mobile number parameter is directly incorporated into SQL commands without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to employ prepared statements or proper input sanitization techniques when processing the mobnumber parameter. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious SQL payloads within the mobnumber field, which then gets executed by the database engine. This allows unauthorized individuals to perform various malicious activities including data extraction, modification, or deletion of sensitive information stored within the system's database. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle sensitive health data.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-53604 extends beyond simple data compromise, as it enables attackers to potentially gain full control over the database backend and underlying system. Given that this system manages COVID-19 testing records, the compromised data could include personal health information, contact details, and testing results of individuals, creating significant privacy and security concerns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in software design that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through malicious input. This weakness directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of SQL injection to gain access to databases and extract sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase. System administrators should ensure that all user inputs are properly sanitized and validated before being processed by database queries, with particular emphasis on the mobnumber parameter in the check_availability.php script. The recommended approach involves adopting prepared statements or stored procedures that separate SQL code from data, preventing malicious SQL commands from being executed. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, input length restrictions, and regular security audits can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from manifesting in future versions. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activity patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts against this or similar vulnerabilities.