CVE-2011-5116 in setseed
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in setseed-hub in SetSeed CMS 5.8.20, 5.11.2, and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the loggedInUser cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2025
The CVE-2011-5116 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the setseed-hub component of SetSeed CMS versions 5.8.20 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the authentication handling mechanism where the loggedInUser cookie parameter is improperly validated and processed. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate sql query structures by injecting malicious sql code through the cookie value, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability specifically affects the authentication flow where user session data is stored and retrieved from the cookie, creating an attack vector that bypasses normal input validation controls. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of cwe-89 sql injection as defined by the common weakness enumeration framework, where insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data leads to unauthorized database access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a specially formatted loggedInUser cookie value that contains malicious sql payload. When the setseed-hub application processes this cookie during authentication, it directly incorporates the user-supplied value into sql query construction without proper parameterization or input sanitization. This creates a condition where sql commands intended for legitimate database operations are extended or modified by attacker-controlled code. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the authentication layer, meaning successful exploitation could grant attackers full administrative privileges or allow them to bypass authentication entirely. The attack requires no prior authentication and can be executed remotely, making it highly accessible to threat actors. According to attack technique descriptions in the mitre att&ck framework, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving sql injection and credential access, specifically targeting the credential validation process.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-5116 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within affected networks. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive user credentials, manipulate database content, or even execute operating system commands if the underlying database system permits such operations. The vulnerability affects not just individual user accounts but potentially the entire cms infrastructure, as the sql injection occurs within core authentication components. Organizations running affected SetSeed CMS versions face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The impact is particularly severe given that the vulnerability affects multiple versions of the software, indicating a persistent flaw in the authentication architecture that was not adequately addressed in the affected releases.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-5116 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates to versions that address the sql injection vulnerability. Organizations must ensure that all instances of SetSeed CMS are upgraded to patched versions that properly validate and sanitize cookie input values. Additionally, implementing input validation controls at the application level can provide defense-in-depth measures, though these should not be considered primary solutions. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious cookie values, but they are not foolproof and should complement rather than replace proper code-level fixes. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual cookie patterns and authentication attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and parameterized queries, aligning with security best practices outlined in owasp top ten and other industry standards. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify any other potential sql injection vulnerabilities within their applications and implement comprehensive database access controls to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.