CVE-2014-5387 in ExpressionEngine
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in EllisLab ExpressionEngine before 2.9.1 allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) column_filter or (2) category[] parameter to system/index.php or the (3) tbl_sort[0][] parameter in the comment module to system/index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2022
The CVE-2014-5387 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting EllisLab ExpressionEngine versions prior to 2.9.1, demonstrating a classic weakness in web application input validation and database interaction handling. This vulnerability specifically targets three distinct parameter vectors within the system's architecture, creating multiple attack surfaces for authenticated malicious users to exploit. The vulnerability operates through the core system indexing mechanism, where user-provided input is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without adequate sanitization or parameterization, thereby enabling attackers to manipulate database operations through crafted malicious input.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper query construction practices within ExpressionEngine's system components. Attackers can leverage the column_filter parameter in system/index.php to inject malicious SQL code that bypasses authentication mechanisms, or exploit the category[] parameter to execute unauthorized database commands. Additionally, the tbl_sort[0][] parameter within the comment module presents another vector where malicious input can be processed through the system's indexing routines. These vulnerabilities are categorized under CWE-89 as SQL injection, which represents one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws in the industry. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1213.002 for data from information repositories, as attackers can extract sensitive information or manipulate database records through these injection points.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-5387 extends beyond simple data theft, as authenticated attackers can leverage these vulnerabilities to escalate privileges, modify database content, or potentially gain full system control. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only authenticated access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative privileges are granted to multiple users. Database administrators face significant risks including unauthorized data modification, information disclosure, and potential service disruption. The attack surface is particularly concerning because these parameters are commonly used within legitimate administrative functions, making the injection attacks more difficult to detect through standard monitoring mechanisms. The vulnerability affects the core system architecture, meaning that successful exploitation could compromise the entire content management system's integrity and availability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5387 should prioritize immediate system updates to ExpressionEngine 2.9.1 or later versions, which contain the necessary patches to address the identified SQL injection vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms that sanitize all user-provided data before processing, utilizing parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent malicious SQL code execution. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit authenticated user privileges and reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation. Security monitoring should include enhanced detection of unusual database query patterns and parameter usage that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's remediation aligns with industry best practices outlined in OWASP Top 10 2021 and NIST Cybersecurity Framework, specifically addressing the need for secure coding practices and regular security patch management. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify any other potential injection points within their ExpressionEngine installations and implement proper database access controls to minimize the impact of any remaining vulnerabilities.