CVE-2016-9272 in Exponent
Summary
by MITRE
A Blind SQL Injection Vulnerability in Exponent CMS through 2.4.0, with the rerank array parameter, can lead to site database information disclosure and denial of service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9272 represents a critical blind sql injection flaw within Exponent CMS versions up to 2.4.0. This vulnerability specifically manifests through the rerank array parameter, which is commonly used for reordering content within the content management system. The flaw allows attackers to execute malicious sql commands without direct feedback, making it particularly dangerous as traditional detection methods become ineffective. The vulnerability resides in the improper handling of user input within the application's ranking functionality, where the rerank parameter is processed without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input for the rerank array parameter that gets directly incorporated into sql queries without proper escaping or parameterization. This blind injection approach means that attackers cannot see the results of their injected sql commands in real-time, requiring them to use time-based or boolean-based techniques to extract information from the database. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 as sql injection, which is a well-documented weakness in software applications where user-supplied data is improperly integrated into sql command structures. The attack vector specifically targets the application's backend database layer, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within the cms's database infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data disclosure to include potential system compromise and service disruption. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized access to user credentials, content management data, and other sensitive information stored within the database. The vulnerability also provides a pathway for denial of service attacks, where attackers can manipulate the sql queries to consume excessive system resources or corrupt database structures. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can lead to complete system compromise if attackers gain administrative access through the database breach. The attack can be executed from remote locations without requiring authentication, making it particularly attractive to malicious actors seeking to exploit web applications at scale.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and comprehensive code reviews to address the root cause. The recommended approach involves sanitizing all user inputs through proper escaping techniques and implementing prepared statements to prevent sql injection attacks. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version of Exponent CMS that addresses this specific vulnerability. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should be employed to monitor for suspicious sql injection attempts, while regular security audits should verify that similar vulnerabilities do not exist in other components of the application stack. The remediation process should follow established security frameworks such as those outlined in the mitre attack framework, particularly focusing on the execution and privilege escalation techniques that attackers might employ through sql injection vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions to provide additional layers of protection against similar attacks.