CVE-2016-4861 in Zend Framework
Summary
by MITRE
The (1) order and (2) group methods in Zend_Db_Select in the Zend Framework before 1.12.20 might allow remote attackers to conduct SQL injection attacks by leveraging failure to remove comments from an SQL statement before validation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4861 affects the Zend Framework's Zend_Db_Select component, specifically impacting the order and group methods that handle database query construction. This flaw represents a critical security issue that undermines the framework's ability to properly sanitize SQL statements before validation processes occur. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization mechanisms that fail to adequately strip or escape comment sequences from SQL queries, creating potential entry points for malicious actors to manipulate database operations through crafted input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the Zend_Db_Select class where the order and group methods process user-supplied data without proper comment removal procedures. When these methods receive input containing SQL comments, the framework's validation logic fails to strip these comment sequences before executing security checks, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code that bypasses normal sanitization measures. This failure creates a pathway for SQL injection attacks where attackers can manipulate query execution flow by embedding comment markers that effectively neutralize subsequent validation checks. The vulnerability operates at the data processing layer where user input transitions into database query construction, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple database operations simultaneously.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-4861 extends beyond simple data manipulation to potentially enable complete database compromise scenarios. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can execute unauthorized database queries, access sensitive information, modify data structures, and potentially escalate privileges within affected systems. The vulnerability affects applications using Zend Framework versions prior to 1.12.20, making it particularly concerning for organizations with legacy systems that have not been updated. The attack vector requires minimal sophistication since the vulnerability exists in the framework's core processing logic rather than requiring complex exploitation techniques. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by attackers with basic SQL injection knowledge.
Security mitigations for CVE-2016-4861 primarily focus on immediate framework updates to version 1.12.20 or later, which contain the necessary patches to properly sanitize SQL comments from user input before validation. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation measures at multiple layers including application-level sanitization, database-level query parameterization, and network-level monitoring for suspicious SQL patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes inadequate input sanitization for code injection attacks, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1070.004 for bypassing security controls through input manipulation. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper database access controls, regular security assessments, and maintaining up-to-date security patches across all framework components to prevent similar vulnerabilities from compromising system integrity.