CVE-2013-6985 in Webpublisher CMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in m_worklog/log_searchday.jsp in Enorth Webpublisher CMS, possibly 5.0 and earlier, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the thisday parameter.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2025
The CVE-2013-6985 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Enorth Webpublisher Content Management System version 5.0 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically targets the m_worklog/log_searchday.jsp component, which serves as a log search interface for monitoring system activities. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands without requiring authentication or prior access to the system, making it a severe threat to database integrity and system security.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the 'thisday' parameter within the log_searchday.jsp page. When users provide input to this parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before incorporating it into SQL query construction. This creates a classic SQL injection scenario where an attacker can append malicious SQL code to the legitimate query, potentially gaining unauthorized access to database contents, modifying data, or executing administrative commands. The vulnerability falls under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform extensive database manipulation and potentially escalate privileges within the affected system. Remote execution of arbitrary SQL commands means that attackers could extract sensitive information, modify or delete database records, and potentially establish persistent access through database-level backdoors. The vulnerability affects the entire Enorth Webpublisher ecosystem, potentially compromising multiple systems that rely on this CMS for content management and web publishing operations. Organizations using affected versions face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-6985 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and parameterized query implementation. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures that filter and validate all user-supplied data before processing, particularly for parameters used in database queries. The recommended approach involves migrating to parameterized queries or prepared statements that separate SQL code from data, preventing malicious input from altering query structure. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and input validation at multiple layers including web application firewalls, database access controls, and application-level security measures provides defense-in-depth protection. Regular security updates and patches should be applied immediately upon availability, while network segmentation and monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments to prevent similar flaws from compromising system integrity and data confidentiality.