CVE-2024-37857 is an SQL Injection vulnerability found in the Lost and Found Information System version 1.0, specifically affecting the 'id' parameter in the PHP script located at php-lfis/admin/categories/view_category.php. This vulnerability allows a remote attacker with limited privileges (PR:L) to escalate their privileges by injecting malicious SQL code through the 'id' parameter, which is not properly sanitized or parameterized. The flaw enables the attacker to manipulate backend SQL queries, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, thereby compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system. The vulnerability does not require user interaction (UI:N) and can be exploited over the network (AV:N) with low attack complexity (AC:L). The scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the impact is confined to the vulnerable component but can still cause significant damage. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.8 reflects the high severity due to the combination of high impact and ease of exploitation. No patches or fixes have been published yet, and no known exploits are reported in the wild, but the vulnerability poses a serious risk to affected deployments. The issue is categorized under CWE-89, which is the standard classification for SQL Injection flaws. Organizations using this system should be aware of the risk of privilege escalation and data compromise through this vector.

The impact of CVE-2024-37857 is substantial for organizations using the Lost and Found Information System 1.0. Successful exploitation allows attackers to escalate privileges remotely, potentially gaining administrative access to sensitive categories and data within the system. This can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, data tampering, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects confidentiality by exposing data, integrity by allowing unauthorized modifications, and availability by potentially enabling destructive actions such as data deletion or service disruption. Given the low complexity of exploitation and no requirement for user interaction, attackers can automate attacks to compromise multiple systems rapidly. Organizations relying on this system for managing lost and found data, which may include personal or sensitive information, face risks of data breaches, reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and operational disruptions. The absence of patches increases the window of exposure, emphasizing the urgency for mitigation.

To mitigate CVE-2024-37857, organizations should immediately implement input validation and parameterized queries (prepared statements) for all database interactions involving the 'id' parameter in the affected PHP script. If source code access is available, refactor the vulnerable code to use secure coding practices that prevent SQL Injection. In the absence of an official patch, consider deploying a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules specifically designed to detect and block SQL Injection attempts targeting the 'id' parameter. Restrict access to the administrative interface by IP whitelisting or VPN to reduce exposure. Conduct thorough code reviews and security testing on the Lost and Found Information System to identify and remediate similar injection points. Monitor logs for suspicious database query patterns or repeated failed attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts. Plan for timely application of official patches once released by the vendor. Additionally, enforce the principle of least privilege for database accounts used by the application to limit the potential damage from exploitation.