CVE-2016-4040 in dotCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Workflow Screen in dotCMS before 3.3.2 allows remote administrators to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the orderby parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2022
The CVE-2016-4040 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the dotCMS content management platform that specifically targets the Workflow Screen functionality. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 3.3.2 and creates a significant security risk by allowing remote administrators to execute arbitrary sql commands through manipulation of the orderby parameter. The flaw resides in how the system processes user input when constructing sql queries for workflow screen ordering, creating an attack vector that bypasses normal authentication mechanisms since it specifically targets authenticated administrator accounts. The vulnerability's classification aligns with cwe-89 which defines sql injection as the insertion of malicious sql code into input fields that are then executed by the database, making it a direct threat to data integrity and confidentiality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the insecure handling of the orderby parameter within the workflow screen component of dotCMS. When administrators interact with workflow screens that require sorting capabilities, the system accepts user-provided orderby values without proper sanitization or parameterization. This allows attackers who have administrator credentials to inject malicious sql payloads that get executed against the underlying database. The attack chain typically involves crafting a malicious orderby parameter that, when processed, concatenates with existing sql query structures to execute unauthorized database operations. This vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and violates fundamental secure coding principles that should prevent sql injection through proper parameterized queries.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-4040 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete database compromise and potential system takeover. An authenticated attacker with administrator privileges can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information, modify database records, create new user accounts, or even escalate privileges to system-level access. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers don't need physical access to the system, and since it targets administrative functions, the potential for damage is amplified. This flaw directly impacts the integrity and availability of the content management system, potentially leading to service disruption, data loss, or unauthorized content modification. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that administrators typically possess elevated privileges and may have access to sensitive organizational data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-4040 should prioritize immediate patching to dotCMS version 3.3.2 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and parameterized query usage across all database interactions, particularly in administrative interfaces. Network segmentation and privileged access controls should be enforced to limit the scope of potential exploitation, ensuring that even if one administrative account is compromised, the attacker's access remains restricted. Regular security auditing of web applications should include sql injection vulnerability scanning, and implementation of web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers. This vulnerability's remediation aligns with mitigations recommended by the center for internet security ciscx and the open web application security project owasp, which emphasize proper input sanitization and parameterized database queries as fundamental defensive measures against sql injection attacks. The incident also highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing comprehensive security monitoring to detect unauthorized administrative activities within content management systems.