CVE-2013-6839 in InstantCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in InstantSoft InstantCMS 1.10.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the orderby parameter to catalog/[id].
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The CVE-2013-6839 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw discovered in InstantSoft InstantCMS version 1.10.3 and earlier systems. This vulnerability resides within the catalog component of the content management system where the orderby parameter fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into sql queries. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate database operations by injecting malicious sql code through the catalog/id endpoint, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data or executing destructive commands on the underlying database server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameter sanitization within the application's query construction logic. When users interact with the catalog functionality and specify sorting parameters through the orderby variable, the system directly concatenates this input into sql statements without proper escaping or parameterization. This primitive approach to sql query building creates an exploitable condition where malicious actors can inject sql payloads that bypass normal access controls and authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets the catalog/[id] path where sorting functionality is implemented, making it particularly dangerous as it affects core content management operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-6839 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and data destruction capabilities. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations from the database. The vulnerability also enables attackers to modify or delete content, potentially causing service disruption and data integrity violations. Additionally, successful exploitation could provide attackers with persistent access to the system, allowing them to establish backdoors or escalate privileges within the database environment. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a fundamental weakness in software applications that process untrusted data.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and web application firewalls to prevent exploitation attempts. The most effective remediation involves updating to InstantSoft InstantCMS versions that address this vulnerability through proper input sanitization and query parameterization techniques. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive code reviews to identify similar patterns in other application components and implement automated sql injection detection mechanisms. From an att&ck framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique t1190 for sql injection and t1071.004 for application layer protocol usage, demonstrating how attackers can leverage web application flaws to achieve their objectives. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the entire application landscape.