CVE-2013-4879 in BigTree
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in core/inc/bigtree/cms.php in BigTree CMS 4.0 RC2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the PATH_INFO to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2025
The CVE-2013-4879 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the BigTree CMS 4.0 RC2 and earlier versions, specifically targeting the core/inc/bigtree/cms.php file. This vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data that flows through the PATH_INFO parameter to the index.php endpoint. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate sql queries by injecting malicious sql commands through the url path information, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure.
This vulnerability operates at the application layer and directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of database operations within the cms system. The sql injection occurs because the application does not properly escape or validate the PATH_INFO variable before incorporating it into sql queries. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious url paths that contain sql payload commands, which then get executed by the database engine. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it allows for complete database compromise including data extraction, modification, or deletion, depending on the attacker's privileges and the database configuration.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-4879 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass full system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to escalate privileges, access administrative functions, and potentially use the compromised cms as a foothold for broader network infiltration. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including BigTree CMS 4.0 RC2, making it a widespread concern for organizations that have not updated their systems. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-89 sql injection, which is classified as a high severity issue in the cwe dictionary.
From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including command and control through database manipulation and privilege escalation via database access. The attack surface is particularly broad as it requires no authentication to exploit, making it a preferred target for automated scanning tools. Organizations using BigTree CMS versions prior to the patched release face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the critical importance of implementing proper sql injection prevention mechanisms such as parameterized queries and input sanitization.
The recommended mitigation strategies include immediate patching of affected BigTree CMS installations to version 4.0 RC3 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious sql injection attempts, conduct comprehensive security audits of their cms configurations, and establish proper input validation protocols. Additionally, database access should be restricted to minimum necessary privileges, and regular security monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous database activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping cms platforms updated and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against sql injection attacks.