CVE-2021-41649 is a critical SQL Injection vulnerability affecting the online-shopping-system-advanced project. Specifically, it exists in the /homeaction.php cat_id parameter, where user input is not properly sanitized when a post request is made. This allows for un-authenticated exploitation of the vulnerability, which can lead to serious consequences.
With a CVSS score of 9.8, this vulnerability is classified as critical. Organizations utilizing the affected software are at risk of significant data leakage and unauthorized access. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to manipulate database queries, potentially leading to exposure of sensitive information and disruption of service.
The exploitation status of this vulnerability is notable. While a public proof of concept exists within a GitHub repository, there is no indication of it being actively exploited in the wild. Nevertheless, the high severity and potential impacts necessitate immediate attention from security teams.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate risks associated with this SQL Injection vulnerability. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing can help identify and remediate such weaknesses in a timely manner.
Vulnerability Details
The official CVE description states: 'An un-authenticated SQL Injection exists in PuneethReddyHC online-shopping-system-advanced through the /homeaction.php cat_id parameter. Using a post request does not sanitize the user input.' This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 classification, indicating a SQL Injection issue.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 9.8, indicating a critical severity level. The attack vector is classified as NETWORK, with a low attack complexity, meaning that an attacker can exploit it without needing specific privileges or user interaction. The potential impacts include high confidentiality, integrity, and availability losses.
This vulnerability affects all versions of the online-shopping-system-advanced prior to the vendor patch. The publication date of this CVE was October 1, 2021.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-41649 is the lack of input validation on the /homeaction.php cat_id parameter. This oversight allows attackers to inject malicious SQL queries into the application, which the database processes without proper sanitization.
The attack vector here is network-based, meaning that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely without needing physical access to the affected system. The attack complexity is low, as it does not require any special conditions or prior knowledge beyond the existence of the vulnerability.
Exploitation of this vulnerability requires no privileges, and no user interaction is necessary. The impact includes high confidentiality, integrity, and availability risks, making it a significant threat to organizations that use the affected application.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive data, data corruption, and service disruption. Given the critical nature of this vulnerability, organizations utilizing the online-shopping-system-advanced must assess their exposure and take appropriate measures to mitigate risks.
The potential blast radius is significant, as an attacker exploiting this vulnerability can gain access to the database, potentially affecting all users and transactions within the system. Organizations should evaluate their security posture and ensure that all necessary patches are applied without delay.
With an EPS score in the 99.7th percentile, the likelihood of exploitation is notably high. Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to mitigate the associated risks effectively.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of online-shopping-system-advanced prior to vendor patch are affected by this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the latest patches for the online-shopping-system-advanced project to remediate this vulnerability. If immediate patching is not possible, consider implementing input validation controls to sanitize user inputs effectively.
For detailed guidance on vulnerability management, organizations can refer to the vulnerability management program best practices. Additionally, monitoring systems for unusual activity and having incident response plans in place will further strengthen security posture.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any unusual database queries that may indicate an SQL Injection attempt. Behavioral anomalies in user interactions with the application should also be flagged for review.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The significance of CVE-2021-41649 lies in its demonstration of how SQL Injection vulnerabilities can persist in applications due to inadequate input validation. This highlights the need for continuous security assessments and the importance of incorporating security into the software development lifecycle.
Security teams should remain vigilant regarding injection attack patterns, as they are among the most common and impactful vulnerabilities in web applications. For more insights on penetration testing methodologies, organizations can explore the penetration testing methodology and the vulnerability management program to enhance their defensive strategies.
Additionally, understanding the broader trends in cyber threats can be beneficial. For instance, reviewing ransomware targeting trends will provide insights into the evolving nature of cyber threats and how they can intersect with vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-41649.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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