CVE-2017-5517 in GeniXCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in author.control.php in GeniXCMS through 0.0.8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the type parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2026
The CVE-2017-5517 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw discovered in GeniXCMS version 0.0.8 and earlier, specifically within the author.control.php file. This vulnerability exposes the content management system to remote code execution attacks through improper input validation mechanisms. The flaw manifests when the application fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied input passed through the type parameter, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability falls under the category of injection flaws as defined by cwe-89, which represents one of the most prevalent and dangerous categories of web application security vulnerabilities according to the cwe dictionary. This type of vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against the database backend, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized data access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input for the type parameter in the author.control.php script, bypassing the application's input validation controls. The vulnerable code likely concatenates user input directly into sql query strings without proper sanitization or parameterization, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can alter the intended query structure. This allows for operations such as data extraction, modification, or deletion, depending on the attacker's objectives and database permissions. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it without requiring local system access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. The attack vector follows standard sql injection patterns where the malicious payload can be designed to extract database schema information, bypass authentication mechanisms, or even execute operating system commands if the database server has appropriate privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5517 extends beyond simple data theft, potentially enabling complete system compromise and persistent access to affected environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, gain unauthorized access to sensitive user data, modify or delete critical content, and establish backdoors for continued access. The vulnerability affects all versions of GeniXCMS up to and including 0.0.8, indicating a widespread exposure across installations that have not been updated. Organizations running vulnerable versions face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences. The vulnerability can be exploited through standard web application attack frameworks and automated scanning tools, making it accessible to attackers of varying skill levels. According to the mitre att&ck framework, this vulnerability maps to the execution and credential access tactics, specifically targeting the command and control and privilege escalation phases of an attack lifecycle.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5517 require immediate action to address the underlying sql injection vulnerability through proper input validation and parameterized queries. Organizations should upgrade to GeniXCMS version 0.0.9 or later, which contains the necessary patches to resolve this vulnerability. The recommended approach involves implementing proper input sanitization techniques, including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries to prevent malicious data from being interpreted as sql commands. Security measures should include web application firewalls, input validation rules, and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege for database accounts and regular monitoring of database activities can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security updates and proper code review practices, particularly for open source content management systems that may not receive immediate security attention from their development communities. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions to detect anomalous sql query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.