CVE-2016-7788 in Exponent
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in ramework/modules/users/models/user.php in Exponent CMS 2.3.9 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the username parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2022
The CVE-2016-7788 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Exponent CMS 2.3.9 and earlier versions, specifically targeting the user authentication module. This vulnerability resides in the file ramework/modules/users/models/user.php and exploits a fundamental weakness in input validation mechanisms. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the application's database queries by injecting malicious sql code through the username parameter, effectively bypassing authentication controls and potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive user data. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper input sanitization and parameterized query implementation, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a specially crafted username value that contains sql injection payloads. The application fails to properly escape or validate the input before incorporating it into sql queries, allowing the injected code to execute within the database context. This flaw directly maps to CWE-89, which categorizes sql injection vulnerabilities as a primary concern in web application security. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it targets the core user authentication mechanism, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges, extract user credentials, or manipulate user accounts. The vulnerability affects the entire user management functionality within the cms, making it a high-impact target for threat actors seeking persistent access to the web application and its associated data repositories.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations using Exponent CMS versions 2.3.9 and earlier, as it can be exploited remotely without requiring prior authentication. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include potential system compromise, unauthorized access to user accounts, and possible data corruption or deletion. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to enumerate user accounts, extract sensitive information, and potentially establish backdoors within the application environment. The vulnerability also aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including credential access through sql injection and privilege escalation via database manipulation. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues and reputational damage if user data is compromised through such attacks, particularly in environments where personal or financial information is stored.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-7788 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Exponent CMS versions to the latest available releases. Organizations must implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout their applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring. The implementation of web application firewalls and input sanitization mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential sql injection points within their application frameworks. Regular security testing including automated scanning and manual penetration testing should be performed to ensure that input validation mechanisms remain effective. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing secure coding practices that prevent sql injection attacks at the source. Organizations should also establish robust monitoring systems to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.