CVE-2016-15013 in searchresults
Summary
by MITRE • 01/07/2023
A vulnerability was found in ForumHulp searchresults. It has been rated as critical. Affected by this issue is the function list_keywords of the file event/listener.php. The manipulation of the argument word leads to sql injection. The name of the patch is dd8a312bb285ad9735a8e1da58e9e955837b7322. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue. The identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-217628.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-15013 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the ForumHulp searchresults component, specifically affecting the list_keywords function in event/listener.php. This vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization of the word argument parameter, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database. The flaw exists at the intersection of improper input handling and insufficient query parameterization, making it particularly dangerous for applications that rely on user-supplied search terms. The vulnerability was classified as critical due to its potential to allow full database compromise, data exfiltration, and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the forum's database infrastructure. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of sql injection, which is consistently ranked among the top cybersecurity risks by the owasp foundation and represents one of the most prevalent attack vectors in web applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when user input is directly incorporated into sql queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. The word argument in the list_keywords function serves as the attack vector, where malicious input can manipulate the sql execution flow to perform unauthorized database operations. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract, modify, or delete database records, potentially gaining administrative access to the forum system. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges, create backdoors, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. This particular implementation flaw demonstrates poor secure coding practices where input validation should have occurred before any database interaction, aligning with the mitre ATT&CK framework's command and control techniques that involve data manipulation and persistence. The specific patch referenced as dd8a312bb285ad9735a8e1da58e9e955837b7322 addresses the root cause by implementing proper input sanitization and parameterized queries to prevent malicious sql code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability poses significant risks to forum administrators and their users, particularly in environments where sensitive personal information, private communications, and user credentials are stored within the database. A successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, data loss, and potential regulatory violations under data protection laws such as gdpr or ccpa. Organizations relying on ForumHulp systems would face immediate security concerns including unauthorized access to user accounts, modification of forum content, and potential denial of service conditions. The vulnerability's critical rating reflects its ease of exploitation and the severe consequences that can result from unauthorized database access. Security teams must prioritize immediate remediation through patch application, as the window for exploitation remains open until the vulnerability is properly addressed. This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of regular security assessments and the implementation of defense-in-depth strategies that include web application firewalls, input validation mechanisms, and comprehensive code review processes to prevent similar flaws in other application components.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patch application to implement the referenced fix, followed by comprehensive security auditing of similar components within the application. Organizations should establish automated input validation routines and implement proper database query parameterization to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other functions. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against sql injection attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security training for development teams on secure coding practices and vulnerability assessment methodologies is essential to prevent similar issues in future releases. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust input validation mechanisms across all application components. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and access controls to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts, while maintaining detailed audit logs for forensic analysis and compliance purposes.