CVE-2016-7780 in Exponent
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in cron/find_help.php in Exponent CMS 2.3.9 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the version parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2022
The CVE-2016-7780 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in Exponent CMS versions 2.3.9 and earlier, specifically within the cron/find_help.php script. This vulnerability exposes the content management system to remote code execution attacks through improper input validation mechanisms. The flaw manifests when the application fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied data passed through the version parameter, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database infrastructure. The vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of data stored within the CMS environment, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database content, or even escalate privileges within the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter validation and input sanitization within the find_help.php script. When the version parameter is processed without proper escaping or validation, it allows attackers to inject malicious SQL payloads that bypass the intended application logic. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The attack vector leverages the remote execution capability by crafting specially formatted SQL commands that get executed within the database context, effectively allowing unauthorized users to manipulate the database as if they were legitimate administrators. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the application's data handling procedures, where user input transitions directly into database queries without proper security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to the entire database infrastructure supporting the CMS. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive user credentials, personal information, and system configuration details stored within the database. The implications include potential data breaches, service disruption, and unauthorized modification of content managed by the CMS. Additionally, the vulnerability can serve as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure, as compromised database credentials may be used to access other systems or escalate privileges to administrative levels. Organizations using affected versions of Exponent CMS face significant risks including regulatory compliance violations, reputational damage, and potential financial losses due to unauthorized access to sensitive data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-7780 require immediate action to address the underlying SQL injection vulnerability through proper input validation and parameter sanitization techniques. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to Exponent CMS versions that have addressed this vulnerability, as the patch typically includes proper escaping mechanisms and input validation for all user-supplied parameters. Implementing proper database access controls and limiting database user privileges can reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security measures should include the deployment of web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious SQL injection patterns, along with regular security audits of application code to identify similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process must also involve comprehensive testing to ensure that all input parameters are properly sanitized before being processed by database queries. Organizations should follow the ATT&CK framework's guidance on defensive measures against SQL injection attacks, including network segmentation and monitoring for unusual database access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.