CVE-2016-8898 in Exponent
Summary
by MITRE
Exponent CMS version 2.3.9 suffers from a sql injection vulnerability in framework/modules/ecommerce/controllers/cartController.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8898 represents a critical sql injection flaw within Exponent CMS version 2.3.9 that resides in the cartController.php file within the ecommerce framework modules. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql query constructions. The affected component processes cart-related operations and handles user inputs that are directly used in database queries without appropriate security measures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input parameters that manipulate the sql query execution flow within the cart controller. The flaw typically manifests when user data enters the system through cart management functions such as product addition, removal, or modification operations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses in software applications, making it a well-documented and dangerous class of vulnerability that can lead to complete database compromise. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary sql commands, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive customer data, order information, and administrative credentials stored within the database.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and business disruption. An attacker who successfully exploits this sql injection flaw can extract all customer records including personal information, credit card details, and purchase histories from the database. The vulnerability also enables attackers to modify or delete cart contents, potentially disrupting legitimate business operations and causing financial losses. Additionally, the compromised system may serve as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure, as database credentials are often shared with other system components. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting web application vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query usage throughout the application codebase. Organizations should implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts, while also applying the latest security patches provided by Exponent CMS developers. The fix involves ensuring that all user inputs are properly sanitized and that prepared statements or parameterized queries are utilized in database interactions. Security teams should conduct comprehensive code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application, particularly in modules handling user data. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be implemented to prevent similar issues from emerging in future versions of the software. Organizations must also establish robust monitoring procedures to detect anomalous database access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper database security practices in web applications, reinforcing industry standards that emphasize secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.