CVE-2016-8906 in dotCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the "Site Browser > Links pages" screen in dotCMS before 3.3.1 allows remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the orderby parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8906 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the dotCMS content management platform affecting versions prior to 3.3.1. This security weakness resides specifically within the Site Browser module's Links pages functionality, where the orderby parameter fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into database queries. The vulnerability exploits the lack of input validation and proper parameterization in the application's database interaction layer, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate underlying SQL commands through crafted input values.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic SQL injection attack vector where an authenticated user can leverage the orderby parameter to inject malicious SQL code into the database query execution flow. This occurs because the application directly concatenates user-supplied values into SQL statements without proper sanitization or parameter binding mechanisms. The flaw operates at the application layer where the web interface processes user input and translates it into database operations, making it particularly dangerous as it requires only authenticated access rather than administrative privileges.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations utilizing dotCMS platforms, as it enables remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. Attackers can potentially extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even escalate their privileges within the database environment. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include potential system compromise, data corruption, and unauthorized access to confidential information stored within the CMS database. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers can exploit it from external networks without requiring physical access to the system infrastructure.
The security implications align with CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental weakness in application security, and this flaw maps directly to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to dotCMS version 3.3.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and parameterization fixes. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls, conducting regular security assessments, and ensuring proper input sanitization practices throughout the application codebase. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper database query construction and input validation in preventing unauthorized database access and maintaining data integrity within content management systems.