CVE-2010-4271 in ImpressCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in ImpressCMS before 1.2.3 RC2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2019
The CVE-2010-4271 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in the ImpressCMS content management system prior to version 1.2.3 RC2. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of user input and demonstrates a classic weakness in database interaction protocols that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to underlying database systems. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as it enables full command execution within the database environment, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate, delete, or extract sensitive information from the affected system.
The technical flaw manifests through improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the CMS framework, specifically in how user-supplied parameters are processed before being incorporated into SQL queries. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious input strings that, when processed by the vulnerable application, get directly embedded into database queries without proper escaping or parameterization. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that multiple entry points within the CMS could be exploited, making the attack surface broader than initially apparent.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the database backend. This level of access can result in complete database compromise, including unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion of critical system information. Additionally, attackers may leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, establish persistent backdoors, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The remote nature of the exploitation means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4271 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected ImpressCMS installations to version 1.2.3 RC2 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms, including parameterized queries and proper escaping of user inputs before database interaction. Security measures should also include regular vulnerability assessments, web application firewalls, and monitoring for suspicious database access patterns. The implementation of principle of least privilege for database accounts and regular security audits can further reduce the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider adopting secure coding practices that align with industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for web application security to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future development cycles.