CVE-2016-7453 in Exponent
Summary
by MITRE
The Pixidou Image Editor in Exponent CMS prior to v2.3.9 patch 2 could be used to perform an fid SQL Injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7453 affects the Pixidou Image Editor component within Exponent CMS versions prior to v2.3.9 patch 2, representing a critical SQL injection flaw that could enable unauthorized database access and potential system compromise. This vulnerability resides within the image editing functionality of the content management system, where user input is improperly sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the underlying SQL commands through malicious input parameters, potentially gaining access to sensitive data stored within the CMS database.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameter sanitization within the Pixidou Image Editor module. When users interact with the image editing interface, specific parameters are passed to backend database queries without proper escaping or sanitization mechanisms. This creates an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious SQL code that can be executed by the database engine, potentially leading to data extraction, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability specifically impacts the fid parameter handling within the SQL query construction process, making it particularly dangerous for systems that rely on user-uploaded images or image manipulation features.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Attackers could potentially extract user credentials, personal data, system configuration details, and other confidential information stored within the CMS database. The vulnerability also poses risks to system integrity and availability, as malicious actors could modify or delete critical database records. Given that Exponent CMS is used by organizations for content management, the potential for data breaches and service disruption is significant, particularly when considering that many organizations store sensitive information within these systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-7453 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Exponent CMS installations to version v2.3.9 patch 2 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes for the SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout their applications to prevent similar issues in the future, aligning with CWE-89 standards for SQL injection prevention. Network segmentation and access controls should be reinforced to limit potential attack surfaces, while regular security assessments and penetration testing can help identify additional vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions can provide additional layers of protection and detection capabilities for SQL injection attempts.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and proper input validation in content management systems, as highlighted by ATT&CK techniques related to SQL injection and credential access. The flaw represents a typical example of how seemingly minor functionality within CMS platforms can create significant security risks when proper security controls are not implemented. Organizations should establish robust patch management processes and security monitoring procedures to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in their infrastructure. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing functionality while maintaining the security improvements necessary to protect against SQL injection attacks.