CVE-2016-9242 in Exponent
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in the update method in framework/modules/core/controllers/expRatingController.php in Exponent CMS 2.4.0 allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) content_type or (2) subtype parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2022
The CVE-2016-9242 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Exponent CMS 2.4.0 content management system that exposes the application to remote code execution through authenticated user sessions. This vulnerability specifically targets the update method located in the framework/modules/core/controllers/expRatingController.php file, where insufficient input validation allows malicious actors to manipulate database queries through carefully crafted parameters. The flaw affects both the content_type and subtype parameters, creating multiple attack vectors that can be exploited by authenticated users who have been granted access to the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper sanitization of user-supplied input within the expRatingController update method. When authenticated users submit data through the content_type or subtype parameters, the application fails to properly escape or validate these inputs before incorporating them into SQL query constructions. This lack of input validation creates a direct path for attackers to inject malicious SQL payloads that can manipulate the underlying database structure. The vulnerability operates under CWE-89 which classifies it as a SQL injection weakness, specifically targeting the improper neutralization of special elements within SQL command strings.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Exponent CMS installations as it allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the database backend. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive data, modify database records, create new user accounts, or even escalate privileges within the system. The remote execution capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the server, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where legitimate users might be compromised. The authenticated nature of the exploit also means that attackers must first gain valid credentials, but once obtained, they can perform extensive database manipulation without detection.
The impact of CVE-2016-9242 aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate credentials usage and T1046 which covers network service scanning. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack paths including credential compromise followed by database manipulation, potentially leading to full system compromise. Organizations using Exponent CMS 2.4.0 should implement immediate mitigations including input validation patches, parameterized queries, and access controls to limit the scope of potential exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input sanitization practices and adherence to secure coding standards that prevent injection attacks. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other components of the CMS ecosystem, as the attack surface extends beyond this single vulnerability to encompass broader application security concerns.
Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability through official updates provided by Exponent CMS maintainers, while implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls and database query monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and serves as a reminder of the potential consequences when authentication mechanisms are bypassed through code-level flaws rather than brute force attacks.