CVE-2017-15967 in Mailing List Manager Pro
Summary
by MITRE
Mailing List Manager Pro 3.0 allows SQL Injection via the edit parameter to admin/users in a sort=login action, or the edit parameter to admin/template.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2017-15967 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Mailing List Manager Pro version 3.0 that directly impacts the administrative interface of the application. This vulnerability exists in the way the software handles user input parameters when processing administrative actions, specifically affecting the sort=login functionality and template editing features. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate database queries through carefully crafted input in the edit parameter, potentially enabling unauthorized access to sensitive data and system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's administrative modules. When administrators navigate to the users section with sort=login or access template editing functionality, the application fails to properly escape or validate the edit parameter values before incorporating them into SQL queries. This primitive input handling creates an environment where malicious SQL commands can be injected and executed within the database context, bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. The vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, where inadequate input validation allows attackers to manipulate database operations through malicious input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass full administrative compromise of the mailing list management system. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to user credentials, mailing list data, and potentially escalate privileges to execute arbitrary code on the server hosting the application. The implications are particularly severe in environments where the application stores sensitive user information, personal data, or business-critical mailing list configurations. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1046 which covers network service scanning, as attackers could use this flaw to establish persistent access and expand their attack surface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15967 require immediate implementation of parameterized queries and proper input validation across all administrative interfaces. Organizations should implement strict input sanitization routines that filter out or escape special characters commonly used in SQL injection attacks such as single quotes, semicolons, and comment markers. The application should employ prepared statements or parameterized queries to ensure that user input cannot alter the structure of SQL commands. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles for administrative functions can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, while maintaining up-to-date security patches and monitoring for suspicious database access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.