CVE-2024-8080 in Online Health Care System
Summary
by MITRE • 08/23/2024
A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in SourceCodester Online Health Care System 1.0. Affected is an unknown function of the file search.php. The manipulation of the argument f_name with the input 1%' or 1=1 ) UNION SELECT 1,2,3,4,5,database(),7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23# as part of string leads to sql injection. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2024
This critical sql injection vulnerability exists in the SourceCodester Online Health Care System version 1.0, specifically within the search.php file where an improperly validated input parameter allows malicious sql commands to be executed. The vulnerability is triggered when the f_name argument receives the payload 1%' or 1=1 ) UNION SELECT 1,2,3,4,5,database(),7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23# which demonstrates a classic sql injection attack pattern. The exploitation occurs through a union-based sql injection technique where the malicious input bypasses input validation and directly manipulates the database query execution flow. This vulnerability is classified as remote exploitable, meaning attackers can leverage it without requiring physical access to the system or local network presence, making it particularly dangerous in web-facing applications. The attack vector specifically targets the database layer through the web application interface, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information and potentially full system compromise. The disclosed exploit demonstrates the ability to extract database information through the database() function call within the union select statement, indicating that attackers can retrieve database schema details and potentially access sensitive patient data. This vulnerability directly maps to cwe-89 sql injection as defined by the common weakness enumeration framework, which categorizes it as a fundamental flaw in input validation and query construction. The attack follows patterns consistent with the attack technique t1068 privilege escalation and t1190 exploitation for execution as outlined in the mitre att&ck framework, where initial access through sql injection can lead to further system compromise. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft as it enables attackers to potentially modify or delete patient records, manipulate medical data, and establish persistent access points within the healthcare system. The remote nature of the exploit means that any user with access to the web application can potentially leverage this vulnerability, making it a significant risk for healthcare organizations that store sensitive patient information. Organizations using this system face potential regulatory violations under hipaa and other healthcare data protection standards if patient records are compromised through this vulnerability. The technical flaw stems from inadequate input sanitization and improper sql query construction practices, where user input is directly concatenated into sql statements without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms. This vulnerability represents a critical security gap that requires immediate remediation through proper input validation, parameterized queries, and comprehensive code review processes to prevent similar issues in other application components.
The exploitation of this sql injection vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to gain unauthorized access to the underlying database system that powers the online health care platform. The specific payload structure demonstrates a well-crafted sql injection attack that leverages the union select functionality to extract database metadata while maintaining the original query structure's integrity. The fact that the exploit has been publicly disclosed increases the risk significantly, as it provides attackers with a ready-made method to compromise systems without requiring advanced technical skills. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in healthcare applications where patient data privacy and security are paramount, as it could lead to unauthorized access to medical records, personal health information, and potentially facilitate identity theft or fraud. The remote exploit capability means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet, making it difficult to contain and trace the source of attacks. The vulnerability's classification as critical in the cve database reflects the severity of potential impact, which includes data breaches, system compromise, and violation of healthcare data protection regulations. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls, input validation measures, and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation of this type of sql injection vulnerability. The attack pattern aligns with common sql injection techniques documented in security frameworks and represents a fundamental flaw in secure coding practices that should be addressed through comprehensive security training and code review processes. This vulnerability exemplifies why healthcare organizations must maintain robust security postures and regularly update their systems to address known security flaws that could expose sensitive patient data to unauthorized access.