CVE-2016-9283 in Exponent
Summary
by MITRE
SQL Injection in framework/core/subsystems/expRouter.php in Exponent CMS v2.4.0 allows remote attackers to read database information via address/addContentToSearch/id/ and a trailing string, related to a "sef URL" issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/03/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2016-9283 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Exponent CMS v2.4.0 framework, specifically located in the file framework/core/subsystems/expRouter.php. This vulnerability arises from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to adequately process user-supplied data within the URL routing system. The flaw manifests when attackers exploit the system's handling of "sef URL" (search engine friendly URL) parameters, particularly in the address/addContentToSearch/id/ endpoint where malicious input can be injected into the database query execution flow.
The technical exploitation occurs through a carefully crafted URL structure that includes a trailing string parameter which bypasses normal input filtering mechanisms. When the expRouter.php component processes these URLs, it fails to properly escape or validate the id parameter before incorporating it into SQL queries. This allows attackers to manipulate the database query execution by injecting malicious SQL code through the URL structure, effectively bypassing the CMS's security controls. The vulnerability specifically targets the search functionality's content management system, where the system attempts to retrieve and process database records based on user-provided identifiers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to the underlying database structure and potentially sensitive information stored within the CMS. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise, including user credentials, content management data, and potentially system configuration details. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it without requiring local system access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. This weakness directly aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental flaw in database query construction and input handling.
The attack vector leverages the CMS's URL rewriting and routing capabilities, where the system's attempt to create human-readable URLs inadvertently creates a pathway for malicious input injection. This represents a classic case of inadequate input validation at the application layer, where the framework fails to properly sanitize data before it reaches the database layer. The vulnerability demonstrates poor adherence to secure coding practices and highlights the importance of implementing proper parameterized queries and input sanitization mechanisms. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1071.004 - Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as attackers can exploit the web interface to gain database access through crafted URL parameters.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the Exponent CMS to version 2.4.1 or later, which addresses the specific SQL injection vulnerability in the expRouter.php file. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization at all entry points, particularly for URL parameters and routing components. The implementation of parameterized queries and prepared statements should be enforced throughout the application codebase to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of defense, while regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses. Database access controls and privilege management should be implemented to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.