CVE-2011-2917 in Mambo
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in administrator/index2.php in Mambo CMS 4.6.5 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the zorder parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2917 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Mambo CMS platform version 4.6.5 and earlier systems. This vulnerability resides in the administrator/index2.php file and specifically targets the zorder parameter, which serves as an entry point for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the application's backend processing logic, creating a pathway for remote attackers to inject malicious sql commands directly into the database layer.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic sql injection attack vector where the zorder parameter is not properly escaped or validated before being incorporated into database queries. When an attacker submits malicious input through this parameter, the application fails to sanitize the data appropriately, allowing the injected sql code to execute within the database context. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of sql injection, which is classified as a high-risk vulnerability due to its potential for data compromise, unauthorized access, and system control. The attack can be executed remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges, modify or delete database records, and potentially gain complete control over the affected system. In the context of content management systems like Mambo, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized content modification, user account compromise, and the installation of backdoors or malware. The vulnerability affects the entire database layer of the application, making it a critical concern for organizations relying on this platform for their web presence. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 (exploitation for privilege escalation) and T1071.004 (application layer protocol: dns) as attackers may use the compromised system to establish further command and control channels.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2917 should focus on immediate patching of the Mambo CMS to version 4.6.6 or later, which includes proper input validation and parameter sanitization measures. Organizations should implement proper input filtering techniques using prepared statements and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Additionally, web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious sql injection patterns targeting the zorder parameter. Security monitoring should include regular database query auditing and anomaly detection to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar flaws in legacy systems that may be running outdated software versions. Organizations should also consider implementing defense-in-depth strategies including network segmentation, access control restrictions, and regular security training for administrators to reduce the attack surface and improve overall security posture.