CVE-2023-4179 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE relates to a critical vulnerability identified in the SourceCodester Free Hospital Management System for Small Practices, version 1.0. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-89 SQL Injection and allows for remote exploitation through the manipulation of the

id

argument within the

/vm/doctor/doctors.php?action=view

file.

Understanding CVE-2023-4179

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-4179, including the vulnerability description, impact, affected systems and versions, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-4179?

CVE-2023-4179 is a critical vulnerability in the SourceCodester Free Hospital Management System for Small Practices version 1.0. It stems from an unknown function within the

/vm/doctor/doctors.php?action=view

file that is susceptible to SQL Injection via manipulation of the

id

argument.

The Impact of CVE-2023-4179

The impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows attackers to remotely exploit the system through SQL Injection. This could lead to unauthorized access, data theft, or even system compromise, posing significant risks to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-4179

In this section, we will explore the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism associated with CVE-2023-4179.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the SourceCodester Free Hospital Management System for Small Practices 1.0 arises from the improper handling of user input in the

id

parameter, which could be exploited to execute malicious SQL queries remotely.

Affected Systems and Versions

The SourceCodester Free Hospital Management System for Small Practices version 1.0 is confirmed to be affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

By manipulating the

id

parameter with malicious data, threat actors can exploit the SQL Injection vulnerability remotely, enabling them to execute unauthorized SQL queries and potentially gain control over the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard against CVE-2023-4179, immediate steps should be taken to mitigate the risk and prevent potential exploits. Implementing long-term security practices, applying patches and updates, and following established security guidelines are crucial in fortifying the system against SQL Injection attacks.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately restrict access to vulnerable files and functions.
Apply security patches or updates provided by the vendor to address the vulnerability.
Implement input validation and proper sanitization to mitigate SQL Injection risks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.
Educate developers on secure coding practices to prevent injection vulnerabilities.
Monitor and log SQL queries for anomalies or potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from the vendor.
Regularly apply security patches and updates to ensure the system is protected against known vulnerabilities.
Test patches in a controlled environment before deploying them to production systems.