Source: cna@vuldb.com
A vulnerability has been found in PHPGurukul Land Record System 1.0 and classified as critical. Affected by this vulnerability is an unknown functionality of the file /index.php. The manipulation of the argument searchdata leads to sql injection. The attack can be launched remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used.
Critical SQL injection vulnerability exists in PHPGurukul Land Record System 1.0, allowing remote attackers to inject malicious SQL code through the searchdata parameter in /index.php. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access, data exfiltration, or complete system compromise.
Step 1: Payload Delivery: The attacker crafts a malicious SQL injection payload designed to exploit the vulnerability. This payload is specifically crafted to target the database structure and the desired outcome (e.g., data retrieval, authentication bypass).
Step 2: Request Construction: The attacker constructs an HTTP GET or POST request to the /index.php file, including the malicious SQL payload within the searchdata parameter.
Step 3: Server Processing: The vulnerable application receives the request and processes the searchdata parameter. Due to the lack of proper sanitization, the injected SQL code is directly incorporated into a database query.
Step 4: Query Execution: The database server executes the modified SQL query, which now includes the attacker's malicious code.
Step 5: Result Interpretation: The database server returns the results of the malicious query. Depending on the payload, this could include sensitive data, authentication bypass, or other unauthorized actions.
Step 6: Data Exfiltration/Exploitation: The attacker receives the results and leverages them to achieve their objectives, such as stealing data, gaining unauthorized access, or escalating privileges.
The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the searchdata parameter within the /index.php file. The application likely directly incorporates the user-supplied searchdata into a SQL query without proper escaping or filtering. This allows an attacker to inject malicious SQL commands, potentially bypassing authentication, retrieving sensitive information, or modifying the database content. The root cause is a failure to implement prepared statements or properly sanitize user input using functions like mysqli_real_escape_string() or similar database-specific escaping mechanisms. This lack of secure coding practices allows for the execution of arbitrary SQL code.
While no specific APTs are directly linked in the provided information, the public availability of the exploit and the critical severity level make this a high-priority target for various threat actors. This vulnerability is likely to be targeted by both opportunistic attackers and more sophisticated groups seeking to gain initial access or escalate privileges. CISA KEV status is highly probable given the critical severity and public exploit availability.
Network Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) should be configured to detect SQL injection attempts. Look for suspicious patterns in HTTP requests, such as the presence of SQL keywords (e.g., SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, UNION) in the searchdata parameter.
Examine web server logs for unusual activity, including requests to /index.php with suspicious searchdata values. Analyze the logs for error messages related to SQL syntax errors, which could indicate a successful injection attempt.
Monitor database server logs for unusual queries or activity, such as queries originating from unexpected IP addresses or user agents.
Implement file integrity monitoring to detect any unauthorized modifications to /index.php or other critical system files.
Use security information and event management (SIEM) systems to correlate events from various sources (e.g., web server logs, database logs, network traffic) and identify potential attacks.
Implement input validation and sanitization for the searchdata parameter. Use parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection. This is the most critical step.
Apply the latest security patches provided by the vendor. This may include updates to the affected PHP files or the underlying database system.
Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter malicious traffic and block SQL injection attempts. Configure the WAF with rules specifically designed to detect and prevent SQL injection attacks.
Review and harden the database server configuration. This includes limiting user privileges, enabling auditing, and disabling unnecessary features.
Regularly scan the application for vulnerabilities using automated tools. This helps identify and address potential security flaws before they can be exploited.
Implement a strong password policy and enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all user accounts.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to assess the effectiveness of security controls and identify any remaining vulnerabilities.