CVE-2011-5110 in Blogs Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Blogs Manager 1.101 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the SearchField parameter in a search action to (1) _authors_list.php, (2) _blogs_list.php, (3) _category_list.php, (4) _comments_list.php, (5) _policy_list.php, (6) _rate_list.php, (7) categoriesblogs_list.php, (8) chosen_authors_list.php, (9) chosen_blogs_list.php, (10) chosen_comments_list.php, and (11) help_list.php in blogs/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-5110 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting Blogs Manager version 1.101 and earlier implementations. This vulnerability resides within the web application's search functionality where user input is improperly sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. The affected files include multiple list display scripts that handle search operations for authors, blogs, categories, comments, policies, ratings, and help content. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the SearchField parameter to inject malicious SQL commands that bypass authentication mechanisms and execute unauthorized database operations. The vulnerability spans across eleven distinct files within the blogs directory structure, indicating a systemic design flaw rather than isolated incidents. This widespread exposure suggests inadequate input validation and parameter handling throughout the application's search functionality, creating multiple attack vectors for malicious actors to compromise database integrity and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive user information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows the classic SQL injection attack pattern where attacker-controlled input directly influences SQL query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. When the SearchField parameter is processed through any of the listed files, the application fails to properly escape or validate user input before incorporating it into database queries. This allows attackers to manipulate the SQL execution flow by injecting malicious SQL syntax that can alter the intended query behavior. The vulnerability specifically targets the search action functionality, making it particularly dangerous as search operations are frequently used and often privileged within web applications. The attack surface is amplified by the fact that multiple files share the same vulnerable code pattern, suggesting a centralized implementation flaw rather than isolated coding errors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete database compromise and potential system infiltration. Remote attackers can execute arbitrary SQL commands which may allow them to extract sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, and administrative access details. The vulnerability's ability to affect multiple list display functions means that attackers can potentially access various types of content and user data across the blogs platform. Depending on the database permissions assigned to the web application's database user account, attackers might be able to modify or delete content, escalate privileges, or even execute operating system commands if the database server allows such operations. The exposure of this vulnerability in version 1.101 and earlier indicates that the application was likely deployed without proper security hardening measures, making it particularly susceptible to exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-5110 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout all search functionality across the affected files. This approach aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities, and follows ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Blogs Manager version 1.102 or later where these vulnerabilities have been patched. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls, input sanitization routines, and comprehensive code reviews can provide layered protection. Regular security testing including automated scanning and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of following established security frameworks such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for preventing injection attacks in web applications.