CVE-2011-5140 in blog
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in the blog module 1.0 for DiY-CMS allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) start parameter to (a) tags.php, (b) list.php, (c) index.php, (d) main_index.php, (e) viewpost.php, (f) archive.php, (g) control/approve_comments.php, (h) control/approve_posts.php, and (i) control/viewcat.php; and the (2) month and (3) year parameters to archive.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-5140 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the blog module version 1.0 of DiY-CMS, a content management system that was widely deployed in web environments during the early 2010s. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the blog module's PHP scripts, creating multiple attack vectors that allow remote threat actors to manipulate database queries through maliciously crafted input parameters. The flaw specifically affects several core files including tags.php, list.php, index.php, main_index.php, viewpost.php, archive.php, and various control scripts within the application's administrative interface. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands directly against the underlying database system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through three distinct parameter injection points within the affected scripts. The first category involves the start parameter which is processed across nine different PHP files, including the main content display pages and administrative control panels. The second and third categories target the month and year parameters specifically within the archive.php file, which handles time-based content retrieval. These injection points occur because the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL query strings, allowing attackers to append malicious SQL code that bypasses normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it encompasses both public-facing user interfaces and administrative control panels, providing attackers with multiple pathways to achieve their objectives.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-5140 is severe and multifaceted, potentially enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, modify or delete content, and compromise the entire database infrastructure. Remote exploitation of this vulnerability allows threat actors to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or complete database destruction, depending on the privileges of the database user account. The vulnerability's presence in multiple files means that attackers can target different aspects of the blog module's functionality, from content display and user interaction to administrative functions like comment approval and post management. This creates a comprehensive attack surface that could lead to complete system compromise, especially when combined with other vulnerabilities or when the underlying database system has elevated privileges. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication, making it accessible to anyone with knowledge of the affected URLs and parameters.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically encompassing techniques related to command and control through database manipulation, credential access via database compromise, and privilege escalation through administrative interface exploitation. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond immediate data theft to include potential lateral movement within network environments, as compromised database systems often contain information that can be used to identify other vulnerable systems. Organizations using DiY-CMS with the vulnerable blog module are particularly at risk because the application's architecture typically does not implement proper database access controls or query parameterization, leaving the system exposed to sophisticated attack techniques. The vulnerability also demonstrates a lack of proper security testing and code review practices that would typically be identified during the software development lifecycle, making it a prime example of how insufficient input validation can create critical security weaknesses in web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-5140 should focus on immediate patching of the affected DiY-CMS version, implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout all affected scripts, and applying web application firewalls to monitor and block malicious SQL injection attempts. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to a patched version of DiY-CMS or implementing proper input sanitization measures that ensure all user-supplied parameters are properly escaped or validated before being incorporated into database queries. Organizations should also consider implementing database access controls that limit the privileges of the application's database user accounts, preventing attackers from executing destructive operations even if they successfully exploit the vulnerability. The remediation process should include comprehensive code review of all database interaction points, implementation of proper error handling that does not reveal database structure information, and establishment of monitoring systems that can detect unusual database activity patterns indicative of SQL injection attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application infrastructure, ensuring a comprehensive approach to vulnerability management and risk reduction.