CVE-2014-2531 in Web Control Panel
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in xhr.php in InterWorx Web Control Panel (aka InterWorx Hosting Control Panel and InterWorx-CP) before 5.0.14 build 577 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the i parameter in a search action to the (1) NodeWorx , (2) SiteWorx, or (3) Resellers interface, as demonstrated by the "or" key in a pgn8state object in an i object in a JSON object.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2025
The CVE-2014-2531 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the InterWorx Web Control Panel, specifically affecting versions prior to 5.0.14 build 577. This vulnerability exists in the xhr.php script which serves as a core component for handling ajax requests within the control panel interfaces. The flaw manifests when authenticated users submit malicious input through the i parameter during search operations, particularly within the NodeWorx, SiteWorx, or Resellers interfaces. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access rather than administrative privileges, making it exploitable by users with basic account permissions. The attack vector is facilitated through json encoded data structures where the i parameter contains a pgn8state object that can be manipulated to inject malicious sql commands. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses in software applications. The technical implementation involves improper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data within the xhr.php endpoint, allowing attackers to bypass normal security controls and directly manipulate the underlying database queries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables full database manipulation capabilities for authenticated users. Attackers can execute arbitrary sql commands, potentially leading to data exfiltration, data corruption, privilege escalation, or even complete system compromise depending on the database permissions. The vulnerability affects multiple control panel interfaces, increasing its attack surface and potential impact across different administrative functions. The exploitation technique leverages the json parsing mechanism within the control panel, where the pgn8state object's key value "or" can be manipulated to inject sql logic. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers would need to identify the vulnerable endpoints and craft appropriate payloads. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate parameter sanitization, creating a path for malicious data to be interpreted as executable sql commands rather than simple data inputs.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2531 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems to version 5.0.14 build 577 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameter sanitization measures, particularly for json data handling within web applications. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting the database permissions of the web application accounts to prevent excessive damage from successful exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual patterns of sql query execution or unauthorized access attempts. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications within the infrastructure. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection against sql injection attacks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper data sanitization, particularly when handling user-supplied data in web applications. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to identify similar issues in other legacy applications and ensure comprehensive protection against sql injection threats.