CVE-2016-9184 in Exponent
Summary
by MITRE
In /framework/modules/core/controllers/expHTMLEditorController.php of Exponent CMS 2.4.0, untrusted input is used to construct a table name, and in the selectObject method in mysqli class, table names are wrapped with a character that common filters do not filter, allowing for SQL Injection. Impact is Information Disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9184 resides within the core controller module of Exponent CMS version 2.4.0, specifically in the expHTMLEditorController.php file. This flaw represents a classic SQL injection vulnerability that arises from improper input validation and sanitization practices within the application's database interaction layer. The vulnerability occurs when user-supplied data is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without adequate sanitization, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's use of untrusted input to dynamically construct table names within database operations. When the selectObject method in the mysqli class processes these table names, they are wrapped with a character that standard security filters and sanitization mechanisms typically overlook. This specific character bypasses common input validation checks, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code through the table name parameter. The vulnerability is particularly insidious because it operates at the database abstraction layer where normal input sanitization measures prove ineffective.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends to information disclosure, where an attacker could potentially extract sensitive data from the underlying database. While the primary effect is information disclosure, the nature of SQL injection vulnerabilities means that attackers could potentially escalate their privileges or execute additional malicious operations depending on the database permissions and the specific implementation details. The vulnerability affects the entire Exponent CMS 2.4.0 installation and represents a critical security flaw that could compromise the confidentiality of stored data.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in application security, and it maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1213.002 for data from information repositories. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability exists in a core controller module that likely handles multiple administrative functions and user interactions. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and proper escaping of user-supplied data. The most effective remediation involves updating to a patched version of Exponent CMS or implementing proper input sanitization measures that specifically address the character bypass mechanism described in the vulnerability.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of proper database abstraction layer security and the need for comprehensive input validation at all levels of application architecture. Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability as part of a larger pattern of database-related security flaws that require systematic approaches to prevention rather than reactive patching strategies. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation details in database interaction code can create significant security risks that affect the entire application ecosystem.