Unauthorized database access

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 110 views

Projectworlds Human-Metapneumovirus-HMPV Testing Management System Using PHP and MySQL V1.0 /check_availability.php SQL Injection Vulnerability

The Human-Metapneumovirus-HMPV Testing Management System is a web-based application developed using PHP and MySQL. The system is designed to manage and track HMPV testing data. However, a critical SQL injection vulnerability has been discovered in the /check_availability.php file of the system. This vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code and gain unauthorized access to the database, posing a significant threat to system security and business continuity.

The vulnerability is located in the /check_availability.php file, which is responsible for checking the availability of HMPV testing data. The vulnerability is caused by the insufficient validation of the mobnumber parameter, which allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code. The mobnumber parameter is used directly in SQL queries without proper cleaning or validation, making it vulnerable to SQL injection attacks.

The SQL injection vulnerability in the /check_availability.php file can have severe consequences, including:

Unauthorized database access: Attackers can gain access to sensitive data, including patient information, test results, and other confidential data.
Sensitive data leakage: Attackers can extract sensitive data from the database, including credit card numbers, passwords, and other confidential information.
Data tampering: Attackers can modify or delete data in the database, compromising the integrity of the system.
Comprehensive system control: Attackers can gain control over the entire system, allowing them to execute arbitrary SQL commands and compromise the security of the system.
Service interruption: Attackers can cause service interruption by deleting or modifying critical data, leading to downtime and loss of business.

The following payload demonstrates the SQL injection vulnerability:

mobnumber=1111111111' AND 6026=6026 AND 'HpFq'='HpFq

This payload injects malicious SQL code into the mobnumber parameter, allowing attackers to bypass authentication and access sensitive data.

The following command demonstrates how to exploit the SQL injection vulnerability using the sqlmap tool:

python sqlmap.py -u http://127.0.0.1/check_availability.php --data="mobnumber=1111111111*"  --dbs

This command injects the malicious SQL code into the mobnumber parameter and executes the sqlmap tool to extract sensitive data from the database.

To remediate the SQL injection vulnerability, the following steps can be taken:

1. Use Prepared Statements and Parameter Binding

Preparing statements can prevent SQL injection by separating SQL code from user input data. When using prepared statements, the value entered by the user is treated as pure data and will not be interpreted as SQL code.

2. Input Validation and Filtering

Strictly validate and filter user input data to ensure it conforms to the expected format. This can be achieved by using regular expressions, data type validation, and other input validation techniques.

3. Minimize Database User Permissions

Ensure that the account used to connect to the database has the minimum necessary permissions. Avoid using accounts with advanced permissions (such as 'root' or 'admin') for daily operations.

4. Regular Security Audits

Regularly conduct code and system security audits to promptly identify and fix potential security vulnerabilities.

By following these steps, the SQL injection vulnerability in the /check_availability.php file can be remediated, ensuring the security and integrity of the Human-Metapneumovirus-HMPV Testing Management System.
Projectworlds Human-Metapneumovirus-HMPV Testing Management System Using PHP and MySQL V1.0 /check_availability.php SQL Injection Vulnerability: Q&A

A: The Human-Metapneumovirus-HMPV Testing Management System is a web-based application developed using PHP and MySQL. The system is designed to manage and track HMPV testing data.

A: The /check_availability.php file is responsible for checking the availability of HMPV testing data.

A: The SQL injection vulnerability in the /check_availability.php file is caused by the insufficient validation of the mobnumber parameter, which allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code.

A: The SQL injection vulnerability can have severe consequences, including:

Unauthorized database access: Attackers can gain access to sensitive data, including patient information, test results, and other confidential data.
Sensitive data leakage: Attackers can extract sensitive data from the database, including credit card numbers, passwords, and other confidential information.
Data tampering: Attackers can modify or delete data in the database, compromising the integrity of the system.
Comprehensive system control: Attackers can gain control over the entire system, allowing them to execute arbitrary SQL commands and compromise the security of the system.
Service interruption: Attackers can cause service interruption by deleting or modifying critical data, leading to downtime and loss of business.

A: The SQL injection vulnerability can be exploited by injecting malicious SQL code into the mobnumber parameter. This can be achieved using tools such as sqlmap.

A: The recommended repair for the SQL injection vulnerability includes:

1. Use Prepared Statements and Parameter Binding

2. Input Validation and Filtering

3. Minimize Database User Permissions

Ensure that the account used to connect to the database has the minimum necessary permissions. Avoid using accounts with advanced permissions (such as 'root' or 'admin') for daily operations.

4. Regular Security Audits

Regularly conduct code and system security audits to promptly identify and fix potential security vulnerabilities.

A: To prevent SQL injection attacks in the future, follow these best practices:

Use prepared statements and parameter binding: This can help prevent SQL injection by separating SQL code from user input data.
Validate and filter user input data: Ensure that user input data conforms to the expected format to prevent malicious SQL code from being injected.
Minimize database user permissions: Ensure that the account used to connect to the database has the minimum necessary permissions to prevent unauthorized access.
Regularly conduct security audits: Regularly conduct code and system security audits to promptly identify and fix potential security vulnerabilities.

By following these best practices, you can help prevent SQL injection attacks and ensure the security and integrity of your system.