CVE-2013-3523 in This
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in This HTML Is Simple (THIS) before 1.2.4 allows remote to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2019
The CVE-2013-3523 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the This HTML Is Simple (THIS) content management system version 1.2.3 and earlier. This vulnerability exposes the application to remote code execution through malicious SQL commands, fundamentally compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the affected system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's database interaction layers, creating exploitable entry points for malicious actors to manipulate database queries.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The flaw occurs when user-supplied input is directly incorporated into SQL query strings without proper escaping or parameterization techniques. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL syntax that can alter the intended behavior of database operations, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the vulnerability may be present across multiple input points within the application, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can leverage various entry points to exploit the weakness.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations relying on the THIS CMS, as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands without requiring authentication. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include complete system compromise, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to escalate privileges, access administrative functions, or even gain shell access to the underlying server. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target affected systems from anywhere on the internet, eliminating the need for physical access or network proximity. This characteristic places organizations at risk of automated attacks and large-scale exploitation campaigns.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to version 1.2.4 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the SQL injection vulnerability. Additionally, deploying web application firewalls and implementing proper input validation measures can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. The remediation process should include thorough code review to identify and address similar vulnerabilities throughout the application codebase, as well as implementing proper parameterized queries and stored procedures to prevent future SQL injection incidents. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts, and regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to maintain ongoing protection against similar threats. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of timely patch management and proper input sanitization practices in maintaining application security.