CVE-2016-9183 in Exponent
Summary
by MITRE
In /framework/modules/ecommerce/controllers/orderController.php of Exponent CMS 2.4.0, untrusted input is passed into selectObjectsBySql. The method selectObjectsBySql of class mysqli_database uses the injectProof method to prevent SQL injection, but this filter can be bypassed easily: it only sanitizes user input if there are odd numbers of ' or " characters. Impact is Information Disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9183 resides within the Exponent CMS 2.4.0 framework, specifically in the ecommerce module's order controller component. This issue represents a classic SQL injection weakness that arises from inadequate input validation mechanisms. The flaw exists in the /framework/modules/ecommerce/controllers/orderController.php file where user-supplied data flows directly into database queries without proper sanitization. The system employs a mysqli_database class that includes a selectObjectsBySql method designed to prevent SQL injection through an injectProof filtering mechanism, yet this protective layer contains a critical design flaw that renders it ineffective against determined attackers.
The technical implementation of the injectProof method demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of SQL injection prevention principles. This filter operates on a simplistic heuristic that only applies sanitization when the input contains an odd number of single or double quotation marks, which creates a predictable bypass mechanism. Attackers can easily circumvent this protection by crafting inputs with an even number of quotation characters, allowing malicious SQL code to execute within the database context. This bypass technique exploits the flawed logic that assumes any odd number of quotes indicates potential injection, while even numbers are considered safe, a dangerous assumption that fails to address the broader spectrum of SQL injection vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables unauthorized information disclosure through database query manipulation. An attacker could potentially extract sensitive user data, including customer information, order details, and potentially administrative credentials stored within the CMS database. The vulnerability's classification as information disclosure reflects the severity of potential data exposure, as it allows attackers to retrieve data that should remain protected within the system's database layer. This weakness particularly affects e-commerce environments where customer privacy and transactional data are paramount, making it a significant concern for organizations handling sensitive commercial information.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as aligning with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software systems. The implementation represents a failure to properly validate and sanitize user inputs, creating an attack surface that violates fundamental secure coding practices. Organizations should consider implementing additional layers of protection beyond the existing injectProof mechanism, including parameterized queries, proper input validation, and comprehensive code reviews. The ATT&CK framework's T1071.004 technique for application layer protocol manipulation is particularly relevant here, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to manipulate database communications. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the Exponent CMS to version 2.4.1 or later, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL patterns, and conducting thorough security audits of all database interaction points within the application codebase to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other modules.