CVE-2016-10378 in e107
Summary
by MITRE
e107 2.1.1 allows SQL injection by remote authenticated administrators via the pagelist parameter to e107_admin/menus.php, related to the menuSaveVisibility function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/03/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10378 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the e107 content management system version 2.1.1. This vulnerability specifically affects the administrative interface and targets the menuSaveVisibility function located in the e107_admin/menus.php file. The flaw is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated administrative access to exploit, meaning that an attacker who has gained administrative credentials or can compromise such credentials can execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database. The pagelist parameter serves as the attack vector, where user-supplied input is improperly handled without adequate sanitization or parameterization.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of sql injection, which is classified as a fundamental weakness in software design that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through malicious input. The attack exploits the lack of proper input validation and sanitization within the administrative function, creating a pathway for an authenticated administrator to inject malicious sql code. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as the attacker could potentially escalate privileges, modify database structures, or even execute system commands depending on the database configuration and permissions. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input handling practices that violate secure coding principles and database security best practices.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly weakens the security posture of e107 installations by providing a direct attack surface for authenticated users. The exploitation process requires minimal prerequisites since administrative access is already established, making the attack relatively straightforward for threat actors. The implications include potential data breaches, unauthorized modifications to website content, and possible complete system compromise if the database server allows for command execution. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain persistent access, escalate privileges, or use the compromised administrative account as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability also affects the integrity and availability of the content management system, as malicious modifications could render the website inaccessible or compromised.
The recommended mitigation strategies include immediate patching of the e107 system to version 2.1.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should implement the principle of least privilege for administrative accounts, ensuring that only necessary personnel have access to administrative functions. Input validation and parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application to prevent similar issues in the future. Additionally, monitoring and logging of administrative activities should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in other parts of the application. The remediation process should also include implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions to provide additional layers of protection against sql injection attacks. Compliance with security standards such as those outlined in the owasp top ten and nist cybersecurity framework should be maintained to ensure comprehensive protection against such vulnerabilities.