CVE-2013-3294 in Exponent
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Exponent CMS before 2.2.0 release candidate 1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) src or (2) username parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3294 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in Exponent CMS versions prior to 2.2.0 release candidate 1. This vulnerability exposes the content management system to remote code execution attacks through improper input validation mechanisms. The flaw specifically affects two parameters within the index.php script, namely the src and username parameters, which are processed without adequate sanitization or parameterization. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-89, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, making it susceptible to malicious input manipulation that can bypass authentication and execute unauthorized database operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers submit malicious input through the affected parameters, allowing them to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database query execution pipeline. When the application processes these parameters without proper input validation or parameter binding, the injected SQL code executes with the privileges of the database user account used by the CMS. This creates a pathway for attackers to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the application environment. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects core authentication and content routing parameters, potentially enabling full system compromise.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can lead to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. Attackers can leverage the SQL injection to bypass authentication mechanisms, gain administrative access to the CMS, and subsequently compromise the entire web application infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations using outdated Exponent CMS installations, creating potential exposure for sensitive content management systems that may contain confidential data, user credentials, or business-critical information. This type of vulnerability is categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as part of the Credential Access and Execution tactics, specifically targeting the use of valid accounts and command execution through database manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-3294 require immediate patching of the Exponent CMS to version 2.2.0 release candidate 1 or later, which implements proper input sanitization and parameterized query execution. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious SQL injection patterns, conduct thorough input validation on all user-supplied data, and enforce principle of least privilege for database connections. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications, while implementing proper database access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized database activity. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in application functionality, and security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts through network intrusion detection systems.