CVE-2010-2672 in eZ Publish
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in eZ Publish 3.7.0 through 4.2.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) SectionID and (2) SearchTimestamp parameters to the search feature and the (3) SearchContentClassAttributeID parameter to the advancedsearch feature.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2672 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting eZ Publish versions 3.7.0 through 4.2.0. This vulnerability resides within the content management system's search functionality, specifically targeting three distinct parameter inputs that process user-supplied data without adequate sanitization or validation. The affected parameters include SectionID and SearchTimestamp within the standard search feature, along with SearchContentClassAttributeID in the advanced search functionality. These parameters are designed to filter and retrieve content based on user criteria but fail to properly escape or validate input data, creating opportunities for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted payloads.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers submit malicious input through these parameters, allowing them to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database layer. The flaw stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices within the eZ Publish application code, where user-provided values are directly incorporated into SQL queries without appropriate escaping mechanisms or parameterized query construction. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The impact extends beyond simple data retrieval as attackers can potentially execute destructive commands including data modification, deletion, or unauthorized access to sensitive database information. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire database system underlying the eZ Publish platform.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations utilizing eZ Publish for content management, as remote attackers can leverage these injection points to compromise database integrity and potentially escalate privileges within the system. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the search functionality is frequently used by both legitimate users and attackers, making it an attractive target for exploitation. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized data access, data corruption, or even complete system compromise depending on the database permissions and access controls in place. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input handling practices that violate fundamental secure coding principles and represents a classic example of how insufficient sanitization can lead to critical security breaches. Organizations running affected versions of eZ Publish face potential exposure to data breaches and unauthorized system access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected eZ Publish versions to the latest releases containing security fixes. System administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring that all user-supplied data undergoes rigorous validation before being processed in database queries. The implementation of parameterized queries or prepared statements should be enforced throughout the application codebase to prevent SQL injection attacks. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other application components. Organizations should also consider implementing database access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized database activities and limit the potential impact of successful attacks. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing database-related security incidents.