CVE-2016-7782 in Exponent
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in framework/core/models/expConfig.php in Exponent CMS 2.3.9 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the src parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2022
The CVE-2016-7782 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Exponent CMS 2.3.9 and earlier versions, specifically located in the framework/core/models/expConfig.php file. 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 input passed through the src parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands directly into the database layer.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient parameter sanitization and input validation practices within the expConfig.php model file. When the application processes the src parameter without proper escaping or filtering, attackers can craft malicious SQL payloads that bypass authentication mechanisms and execute unauthorized database operations. This weakness directly maps to CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental flaw in software security design that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through untrusted input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with complete database access and potential system compromise. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive user credentials, manipulate content, modify database structures, or even escalate privileges within the CMS environment. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers would typically probe for such vulnerabilities before executing their payload.
Organizations utilizing affected Exponent CMS versions face significant security risks including data breaches, unauthorized content modification, and potential system takeover. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it attractive to threat actors across the spectrum. Immediate remediation efforts should focus on upgrading to patched versions of Exponent CMS, implementing proper input validation measures, and applying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application architecture, particularly focusing on database interaction points and user input handling mechanisms.