CVE-2017-20029 in PHPList
Summary
by MITRE • 06/10/2022
A vulnerability was found in PHPList 3.2.6 and classified as critical. This issue affects some unknown processing of the file /lists/index.php of the component Edit Subscription. The manipulation leads to sql injection. The attack may be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. Upgrading to version 3.3.1 is able to address this issue. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-20029 represents a critical sql injection flaw within PHPList version 3.2.6, specifically within the Edit Subscription functionality located at /lists/index.php. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization during the processing of user-supplied data, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through carefully crafted inputs. The vulnerability's classification as critical indicates the potential for severe impact including unauthorized data access, data manipulation, and possible system compromise. The attack vector is remotely exploitable, meaning that threat actors can leverage this flaw without requiring physical access to the system or prior authentication credentials.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when PHPList processes subscription editing requests through the affected index.php file, where user inputs are not properly escaped or validated before being incorporated into sql queries. This allows attackers to inject malicious sql code that can be executed by the database engine, potentially enabling them to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even escalate privileges within the application environment. The public disclosure of the exploit means that threat actors have readily available methods to leverage this weakness, significantly increasing the risk to affected systems. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection flaws in software applications, and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices that mandate proper input validation and parameterized queries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Organizations running affected PHPList versions face significant risk of unauthorized access to subscriber databases, which may contain sensitive personal information, email addresses, and potentially other confidential data. The remote exploit capability means that attackers can target systems from anywhere on the internet, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations that do not maintain robust network segmentation or monitoring controls. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the threat actor's ability to leverage publicly known vulnerabilities to gain initial access to target systems.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to PHPList version 3.3.1, which contains the necessary patches to address the sql injection vulnerability. This upgrade process should be conducted with proper testing to ensure application compatibility and functionality. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as web application firewalls, input validation mechanisms, and regular security assessments to reduce the attack surface. Database access controls should be reviewed and implemented to limit the privileges of database accounts used by PHPList, thereby reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against known security weaknesses that may be exploited by threat actors.