CVE-2017-17607 in CMS Auditor Website
Summary
by MITRE
CMS Auditor Website 1.0 has SQL Injection via the PATH_INFO to /news-detail.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17607 affects CMS Auditor Website version 1.0 and represents a critical SQL injection flaw that can be exploited through the PATH_INFO parameter in the /news-detail endpoint. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL command strings without proper sanitization or parameterization. The attack vector leverages the PATH_INFO server variable, which typically contains URL path information that applications may process without adequate validation, creating an entry point for malicious SQL commands to be executed against the underlying database system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate the PATH_INFO parameter to inject malicious SQL code into the application's database queries. When the CMS processes the news-detail endpoint with an unvalidated PATH_INFO parameter, it directly incorporates user-supplied input into SQL statements without proper input validation or parameterized query construction. This design flaw enables attackers to craft malicious payloads that can manipulate database operations, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, data modification, or even complete database compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard web browser interactions without requiring special tools or privileges beyond basic network access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including unauthorized database access, data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and potential system compromise. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to extract sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, or system configuration details stored in the database. The attack could also allow for data manipulation or deletion, potentially disrupting business operations and compromising the integrity of the CMS. Given that this affects a content management system, the implications could be severe for organizations relying on the platform for website management and content delivery.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized query execution throughout the application codebase. Organizations should immediately apply patches or updates provided by the vendor to address this specific SQL injection vulnerability. The implementation of proper input sanitization techniques, including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries, should be enforced across all database interaction points. Additionally, the application should implement proper access controls and input validation for all PATH_INFO parameters, ensuring that any user-supplied data is thoroughly validated before being processed in database operations. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous database query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, and network segmentation should be implemented to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in database access controls, as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks and standards including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework for application layer attacks.