CVE-2013-2559 in Symphony
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Symphony CMS before 2.3.2 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the sort parameter to system/authors/. NOTE: this can be leveraged using CSRF to allow remote unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2026
The CVE-2013-2559 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw in Symphony CMS versions prior to 2.3.2 that fundamentally compromises database security through improper input validation. This vulnerability specifically targets the sort parameter within the system/authors/ endpoint, creating an attack vector that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the application's database layer. The flaw stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input, particularly when processing sorting parameters for author management functionality. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization. This particular implementation flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices that enable attackers to manipulate database queries through seemingly benign interface parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized data access, as it permits full database command execution through authenticated user sessions. Attackers with valid credentials can leverage this flaw to perform read, write, update, or delete operations against the underlying database, potentially leading to data exfiltration, account compromise, or complete system takeover. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its ability to be exploited through Cross-Site Request Forgery techniques, which allows unauthenticated attackers to leverage existing authenticated sessions or manipulate the application's behavior through crafted requests. This transformation from authenticated to unauthenticated exploitation significantly broadens the attack surface and demonstrates how seemingly isolated vulnerabilities can be chained together to create more dangerous threat scenarios. The attack vector operates through the application's author management system, where sorting parameters are directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization, making it a prime target for database exploitation.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a clear example of how insufficient input validation in web applications can lead to catastrophic consequences. The flaw operates at the application layer where user input directly influences database operations, creating a direct pathway for attackers to execute malicious SQL commands. Mitigation strategies must focus on implementing proper parameterized queries, input validation, and output encoding to prevent SQL injection attacks. The recommended remediation involves upgrading to Symphony CMS version 2.3.2 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and parameterized query implementations. Additionally, organizations should implement web application firewalls, employ automated security scanning tools, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly in addressing command injection and privilege escalation threats. Organizations should implement principle of least privilege access controls, regularly audit database access logs, and establish robust monitoring systems to detect anomalous database activity that might indicate exploitation attempts.