CVE-2024-24868: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in SQL Command Leads to SQL Injection Vulnerability in Smartypants SP Project & Document Manager (Versions from n/a through 4.69)

A recent discovery has revealed a potential security vulnerability within Smartypants SP Project & Document Manager (curring all versions from n/a through 4.69). This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-24868, occurs due to the improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command, commonly known as SQL Injection. This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized database manipulation and potential data breaches.

Smartypants SP Project & Document Manager

- All versions from n/a through 4.69 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploit Details

The CVE-2024-24868 vulnerability within the SP Project & Document Manager software allows for an attacker to manipulate SQL queries by injecting malicious SQL code. This can lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of sensitive data within the database, as well as potential execution of arbitrary SQL commands, which may cause further harm to the system.

This vulnerability is exploited through the improper sanitization of user inputs in certain parts of the application, which are then used to create SQL queries. When an attacker injects malicious SQL code through these vulnerable inputs, the application unknowingly processes and executes this code, leading to unintended consequences.

For instance, take the following vulnerable SQL query snippet

SELECT * FROM projects WHERE project_name = '$userInput';

In this example, the $userInput variable has not been properly sanitized, allowing for a potential SQL Injection. An attacker would simply need to insert malicious SQL code in place of the $userInput value, like in the example below:

' OR '1' = '1

This would then create the following SQL query

SELECT * FROM projects WHERE project_name = '' OR '1' = '1';

This query would result in the attacker gaining access to all projects within the database, regardless of the original intended project requested.

Original References and Additional Resources

To learn more about this vulnerability (CVE-2024-24868), please consult the following original source and reference materials:
- CVE-2024-24868 - MITRE's official CVE entry for this vulnerability.
- National Vulnerability Database (NVD) - NIST's official vulnerability database.
- OWASP SQL Injection Prevention Guide – The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) guide to preventing SQL Injections.

Mitigation and Resolution

Users of Smartypants SP Project & Document Manager are advised to immediately update to the latest version (version 4.70 or higher), which addresses and resolves this vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should perform regular database backups, secure database access credentials, and limit the permissions of any database accounts used by the application.

In the meantime, users can follow secure coding practices such as parameterized queries, input validation, and the principle of least privilege to reduce the likelihood and impact of SQL Injection vulnerabilities. These practices are outlined in the OWASP SQL Injection Prevention Guide.

Conclusion

The CVE-2024-24868 vulnerability discovered in Smartypants SP Project & Document Manager (affecting versions from n/a through 4.69) highlights the importance of input validation and proper secure coding practices in web application development. By keeping these applications up to date and adhering to recommended security practices, users can minimize the risk and impact of SQL Injection vulnerabilities, while maintaining the safety and integrity of their data.

Timeline

Published on: 02/28/2024 13:15:08 UTC
Last modified on: 02/28/2024 14:06:45 UTC