CVE-2016-8907 in dotCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the "Content Types > Content Types" 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-2016-8907 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the dotCMS content management platform affecting versions prior to 3.3.1. This vulnerability exists within the Content Types module, specifically in the Content Types screen where administrators can manage content type configurations. The flaw manifests when the system processes the orderby parameter, which is used to sort content type listings. Attackers with authenticated access to the system can manipulate this parameter to inject malicious SQL commands that bypass normal input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within a privileged interface where users already possess authentication credentials, making the attack surface more accessible compared to unauthenticated exploits. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection flaws as a fundamental weakness in application security that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through user input. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it leverages legitimate administrative functionality to execute unauthorized database operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the improper handling of user-supplied input within the orderby parameter of the Content Types screen. When administrators navigate to the Content Types management interface and attempt to sort content types by various criteria, the system processes the orderby parameter without adequate sanitization or parameterization of database queries. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL syntax that gets executed within the database context. The vulnerability is classified as a second-order SQL injection issue where the malicious input is not directly executed but rather stored and later processed in a way that enables code execution. The system's failure to properly escape or parameterize the orderby parameter creates an opening for attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries through crafted input sequences. This vulnerability demonstrates a clear breakdown in input validation and output encoding practices that should be implemented according to secure coding standards and best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a Database Injection technique under the T1190 category, where adversaries exploit weaknesses in database query construction to gain unauthorized access to data or execute commands.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8907 extends beyond simple data theft or manipulation, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary database commands with the privileges of the database user account. This could result in complete database compromise, data exfiltration, modification of content type configurations, and potential lateral movement within the system. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, access sensitive administrative information, or manipulate content management workflows. The vulnerability affects organizations using dotCMS versions before 3.3.1, which represents a significant portion of users who may not have been actively updating their systems. The remote authenticated nature of the attack means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, and the vulnerability can be exploited from any location where the attacker has valid credentials. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations with insufficient network segmentation or monitoring capabilities. The impact is further amplified when considering that content management systems often contain sensitive business data, user information, and system configuration details that could be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. Organizations with multiple content types or complex content management workflows would face the greatest risk from exploitation of this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8907 should focus on immediate patching of affected dotCMS installations to version 3.3.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and parameterization of database queries. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures that validate and filter all user-supplied parameters before processing them in database operations. The implementation of prepared statements and parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application to prevent SQL injection attacks from occurring. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect unusual database query patterns or attempts to manipulate orderby parameters. Access controls and privilege management should be reviewed to ensure that only necessary users have access to the Content Types management interface, reducing the potential attack surface. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. Additionally, organizations should implement proper logging and monitoring of administrative activities to detect unauthorized access attempts or suspicious parameter manipulation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that include multiple layers of protection against database injection attacks. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts targeting known vulnerable parameters. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that similar vulnerabilities are not present in other components of the dotCMS platform or related systems.