CVE-2016-7781 in Exponent
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in framework/modules/blog/controllers/blogController.php in Exponent CMS 2.3.9 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the author parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2022
The CVE-2016-7781 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Exponent CMS 2.3.9 and earlier versions, specifically targeting the blog module's controller component. This vulnerability resides in the framework/modules/blog/controllers/blogController.php file where user input from the author parameter is not properly sanitized or validated before being incorporated into sql query constructions. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database by injecting malicious sql commands through crafted author parameter values, potentially compromising the entire cms infrastructure and its associated data repositories.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 which defines sql injection as the improper handling of sql commands within applications, where user-supplied data is directly concatenated into sql statements without adequate sanitization. The attack vector exploits the lack of input validation and proper parameterization in the blog controller's handling of the author parameter, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized database operations. The vulnerability's remote nature eliminates the need for local system access, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can exploit it from any network location without authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise including unauthorized data modification, deletion of critical database entries, and potential privilege escalation within the cms environment. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious code, create backdoor accounts, or extract sensitive information such as user credentials, configuration details, and other confidential data stored within the cms database. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 2.3.9, indicating a prolonged exposure window where numerous installations may have remained vulnerable.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-7781 should prioritize immediate patching of the Exponent CMS to versions 2.4.0 and later, which contain the necessary fixes for proper input validation and parameterized query handling. Organizations should implement input sanitization measures including proper parameter binding and prepared statements to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components. Network segmentation and firewall rules can provide additional defense-in-depth layers by limiting access to cms administrative interfaces. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar injection flaws across the entire application stack, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1071.3 for application layer protocol usage. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing secure coding practices to prevent sql injection attacks that continue to represent one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security threats.