CVE-2017-5574 in GeniXCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in register.php in GeniXCMS before 1.0.0 allows unauthenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the activation parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5574 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the GeniXCMS content management system prior to version 1.0.0. This vulnerability specifically affects the register.php script where the activation parameter is improperly handled, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors. The flaw resides in the application's failure to adequately sanitize or validate user input before incorporating it into database queries, allowing attackers to manipulate the underlying SQL execution flow. According to CWE-89, this classification specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where user-supplied data is directly concatenated into SQL statements without proper escaping or parameterization techniques. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and demonstrates a fundamental weakness in input validation and data sanitization practices that are essential for maintaining database security integrity.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when unauthenticated users provide malicious input through the activation parameter in the register.php script. When the application processes this parameter without proper validation, it constructs SQL queries that include the attacker's input directly within the query structure. This allows adversaries to inject additional SQL commands that can manipulate database contents, extract sensitive information, or even execute administrative operations. The attack vector specifically targets the registration process, which is typically accessible to all users, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it requires no prior authentication credentials. The exploitation process follows standard SQL injection methodologies where attackers craft payloads that can bypass normal input restrictions and leverage the application's database connection privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5574 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete database compromise and potential system infiltration. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract user credentials, personal information, and other sensitive data stored within the GeniXCMS database. The vulnerability also poses risks for data integrity manipulation, allowing attackers to modify or delete critical content within the CMS. Given that this affects the registration functionality, attackers could potentially create new administrative accounts, escalate privileges, or disrupt normal user registration processes. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, representing a significant threat to system availability and confidentiality. Organizations using affected versions of GeniXCMS face potential exposure to credential theft, data breaches, and unauthorized system modifications that could compromise the entire web infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5574 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates to version 1.0.0 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations must implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout their applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components. The fix typically involves implementing proper escaping mechanisms for user input or utilizing prepared statements that separate SQL command structure from data values. Security measures should include regular vulnerability assessments, input sanitization routines, and database access controls to limit potential damage from successful attacks. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. According to industry best practices and NIST guidelines for secure coding, all user inputs should be treated as untrusted and validated against expected formats before processing, which directly addresses the root cause of this vulnerability through proper defensive programming techniques.