CVE-2015-2679 in GeniXCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in MetalGenix GeniXCMS before 0.0.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) page parameter to index.php or (2) username parameter to gxadmin/login.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2679 represents a critical security flaw in MetalGenix GeniXCMS versions prior to 0.0.2, exposing the application to remote SQL injection attacks that can lead to complete system compromise. This vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors that exploit improper input validation mechanisms within the content management system. The first vector targets the page parameter in the index.php script, while the second targets the username parameter in the gxadmin/login.php administrative interface, both of which fail to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into database queries.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is directly included in SQL command construction without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. Attackers can leverage these weaknesses to construct malicious SQL payloads that bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive database information, modify or delete content, and potentially gain unauthorized access to the underlying database server. The vulnerability exists because the application does not implement proper parameterized queries or input sanitization techniques that would prevent malicious SQL code from being executed within the database context.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations using affected versions of GeniXCMS, as remote attackers can exploit these flaws without requiring any prior authentication credentials. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include complete system compromise, allowing attackers to escalate privileges, modify website content, steal user credentials, and potentially use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The administrative interface vulnerability particularly concerning as it could enable attackers to bypass authentication entirely and gain full administrative control over the CMS.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to GeniXCMS version 0.0.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address these injection vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should deploy web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious SQL injection patterns and implement proper input validation at all entry points. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, with potential subsequent techniques including T1078 - Valid Accounts for maintaining persistence and T1005 - Data from Local System for information gathering. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and regular security assessments to detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting similar vulnerabilities in their web applications.