CVE-2023-3176 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-3176 pertains to a critical vulnerability discovered in SourceCodester Lost and Found Information System version 1.0, specifically in the file

manage_user.php

. The vulnerability is categorized as a CWE-89 SQL Injection.

Understanding CVE-2023-3176

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-3176, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-3176?

The vulnerability found in SourceCodester Lost and Found Information System 1.0 arises from the manipulation of the

id

argument in the

manage_user.php

file, resulting in SQL injection. This exploit has the potential to be executed remotely, making it critical.

The Impact of CVE-2023-3176

With a base CVSS score of 6.3 (medium severity), this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access, data manipulation, and other malicious activities by attackers exploiting the SQL injection flaw in the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-3176

Exploring the vulnerability's technical specifics can provide insight into its severity and potential risks associated with exploitation.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in SourceCodester Lost and Found Information System 1.0 allows for SQL injection by manipulating the

id

argument in the

manage_user.php

file. Attackers can remotely launch attacks due to this flaw.

Affected Systems and Versions

The issue impacts SourceCodester's Lost and Found Information System version 1.0 specifically, leaving systems with this version vulnerable to exploitation via SQL injection.

Exploitation Mechanism

By manipulating the input for the

id

parameter in the

manage_user.php

file, threat actors can inject SQL code, leading to unauthorized access, data disclosure, and potentially complete system compromise.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2023-3176 involves taking immediate steps to secure the vulnerable system and adopting long-term security practices to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Immediate Steps to Take

System administrators should apply relevant security patches, restrict access to the affected file, and monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, conducting regular security audits, and educating users on safe data handling can enhance overall system security and reduce the risk of SQL injection attacks.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial to stay informed about security updates released by SourceCodester and promptly apply patches to address known vulnerabilities like the SQL injection flaw in

manage_user.php

. Regularly updating the system reduces the attack surface and enhances overall security posture.