CVE-2023-44164 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A critical vulnerability has been identified in the Online Movie Ticket Booking System v1.0 that allows multiple unauthenticated SQL injections, posing a significant security risk. It stems from improper validation of the 'Email' parameter in the process_login.php resource, leading to unfiltered database input.

Understanding CVE-2023-44164

This section delves into the nature of the CVE-2023-44164 vulnerability, its impacts, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-44164?

The vulnerability arises due to the lack of validation for the 'Email' parameter in the Online Movie Ticket Booking System v1.0, enabling attackers to execute SQL injection attacks without authentication. This opens the application to unauthorized access and data manipulation.

The Impact of CVE-2023-44164

The vulnerability's impact is severe, with a CVSS base score of 9.8, categorizing it as critical. It allows attackers to perform high-impact operations such as unauthorized data extraction, modification, or deletion. The exploitation of this flaw could lead to a complete compromise of the system's confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-44164

The following technical aspects outline the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The 'Email' parameter of the process_login.php resource does not undergo character validation, permitting unfiltered data entry into the database. This oversight creates a gateway for unauthenticated SQL injection attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Online Movie Ticket Booking System version 1.0 is impacted by this vulnerability. Users of this version are susceptible to exploitation if the issue is left unaddressed.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the lack of input validation in the 'Email' parameter to inject malicious SQL commands directly into the database. This enables them to manipulate queries and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or carry out damaging actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

In response to CVE-2023-44164, it is vital to take immediate and long-term security measures to safeguard systems and data.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Online Movie Ticket Booking System to a patched version that addresses the SQL injection vulnerability.
Implement web application firewalls (WAFs) to filter and block malicious traffic attempting SQL injection attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly conduct security assessments and code reviews to identify and remediate vulnerabilities promptly.
Train developers and administrators on secure coding practices and the importance of input validation.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by the Online Movie Ticket Booking System vendor. Regularly apply these patches to ensure that known vulnerabilities are mitigated effectively.