CVE-2024-7797 Overview
A critical SQL Injection vulnerability has been identified in SourceCodester Simple Online Bidding System version 1.0. The vulnerability exists in the administrative login functionality, specifically within the file /simple-online-bidding-system/bidding/admin/ajax.php?action=login. Improper handling of the username parameter allows attackers to inject malicious SQL queries, potentially compromising the entire database and bypassing authentication mechanisms.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this SQL injection vulnerability remotely to bypass authentication, extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or potentially gain administrative access to the bidding system.
Affected Products
- SourceCodester Simple Online Bidding System 1.0
- oretnom23 simple_online_bidding_system 1.0
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-08-15 - CVE-2024-7797 published to NVD
- 2024-08-19 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-7797
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified as CWE-89 (SQL Injection), a well-documented and dangerous class of web application flaws. The administrative login endpoint at ajax.php with the action=login parameter fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input in the username field before incorporating it into SQL queries. This allows attackers to manipulate the query logic and execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database.
The attack can be launched remotely without authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible installations of this bidding system. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to bypass authentication entirely, extract user credentials and other sensitive information, modify auction data, or escalate privileges within the application.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability is the absence of proper input validation and parameterized queries in the authentication handler. The application directly concatenates user input from the username parameter into SQL statements without sanitization or the use of prepared statements. This is a fundamental secure coding violation that enables SQL injection attacks.
Attack Vector
The vulnerability is exploited via network-based attacks targeting the login endpoint. An attacker can craft a malicious HTTP POST request to /simple-online-bidding-system/bidding/admin/ajax.php?action=login with a specially crafted username parameter containing SQL injection payloads. Common techniques include authentication bypass using tautological conditions (e.g., ' OR '1'='1) or UNION-based injection to extract database contents. The exploit has been publicly disclosed, increasing the likelihood of active exploitation attempts.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-7797
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual SQL error messages in web server logs indicating injection attempts
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful authentication without valid credentials
- Database queries containing suspicious SQL syntax such as UNION SELECT, OR 1=1, or comment markers (--, #)
- Unexpected data modifications in auction records or user accounts
Detection Strategies
- Deploy Web Application Firewalls (WAF) with SQL injection detection rules targeting the /simple-online-bidding-system/bidding/admin/ajax.php endpoint
- Implement database query logging and monitor for anomalous query patterns or unauthorized data access
- Use intrusion detection systems (IDS) with signatures for common SQL injection payloads
- Review web server access logs for unusual patterns in POST requests to the admin login endpoint
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging for the Simple Online Bidding System application and database backend
- Set up real-time alerts for authentication anomalies and failed login attempts
- Monitor database activity for unusual SELECT, UPDATE, or DELETE operations outside normal application behavior
- Conduct regular security audits of web application logs for injection attempt patterns
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-7797
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict access to the administrative login endpoint using IP whitelisting or VPN requirements
- Consider temporarily disabling the bidding system if it is publicly accessible and handles sensitive transactions
- Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to block SQL injection patterns targeting the vulnerable endpoint
- Review database logs for evidence of prior exploitation and assess data integrity
Patch Information
No official vendor patch has been released for this vulnerability at the time of publication. The application is developed by oretnom23 and distributed through SourceCodester. Organizations should monitor the VulDB Entry #274650 and GitHub repository for updates regarding security fixes.
Workarounds
- Implement prepared statements and parameterized queries in the login functionality as a code-level fix
- Add server-side input validation to reject SQL special characters in the username field
- Deploy a WAF with SQL injection protection in front of the application
- Restrict network access to the administrative interface to trusted IP ranges only
- Consider migrating to a more actively maintained bidding platform if patches are not forthcoming
# Example WAF rule for blocking SQL injection patterns (ModSecurity)
SecRule ARGS:username "@detectSQLi" \
"id:100001,\
phase:2,\
block,\
msg:'SQL Injection attempt detected in username parameter',\
logdata:'Matched Data: %{MATCHED_VAR} found within %{MATCHED_VAR_NAME}',\
severity:'CRITICAL'"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
