CVE-2016-6233 in Zend Framework
Summary
by MITRE
The (1) order and (2) group methods in Zend_Db_Select in the Zend Framework before 1.12.19 might allow remote attackers to conduct SQL injection attacks via vectors related to use of the character pattern [\w]* in a regular expression.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6233 affects the Zend Framework's Zend_Db_Select component, specifically impacting the order and group methods. This security flaw represents a classic SQL injection vulnerability that arises from improper input validation and sanitization within the database query building process. The vulnerability exists in versions of the Zend Framework prior to 12.19, making it a significant concern for applications that rely on this framework for database operations. The issue stems from the framework's use of regular expressions containing the character pattern [\w]* which fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries.
The technical flaw manifests when developers utilize the order and group methods in Zend_Db_Select without adequate input sanitization. The regular expression pattern [\w]* allows for alphanumeric characters and underscores but does not account for special SQL characters that could alter query structure. When user input containing malicious SQL syntax is processed through these methods, the vulnerability enables attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands that bypass normal security controls. This pattern matching approach fails to distinguish between legitimate data and potentially harmful input, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or manipulation. Attackers can leverage this flaw to escalate privileges, extract sensitive information from databases, modify or delete critical records, and potentially gain deeper system access. Applications using vulnerable versions of Zend Framework become susceptible to unauthorized data access, data corruption, and service disruption. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system. Organizations running web applications built on the affected framework versions face significant risk, particularly those handling sensitive data such as user credentials, financial records, or personal information. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments where applications are not regularly updated or patched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-6233 primarily focus on immediate framework updates to version 1.12.19 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the regular expression validation issues. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. Additionally, developers should adopt proper input validation techniques, including parameterized queries, prepared statements, and explicit sanitization of user inputs before processing them through database methods. The use of modern database abstraction layers that automatically handle SQL injection prevention mechanisms provides an additional layer of protection. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on database interaction patterns help identify potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions to provide real-time detection and prevention capabilities.