CVE-2017-6065 in GeniXCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in inc/lib/Control/Backend/menus.control.php in GeniXCMS through 1.0.2 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the order parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2020
The CVE-2017-6065 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in GeniXCMS version 1.0.2 and earlier, affecting the backend menu control functionality. This vulnerability exists within the inc/lib/Control/Backend/menus.control.php file, which processes user inputs without proper sanitization or validation. The flaw specifically manifests when the order parameter is manipulated by authenticated users, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it requires only authenticated access, meaning that users with legitimate credentials can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or system resources.
This SQL injection vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications. The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices where user-supplied data directly influences database query construction without adequate sanitization measures. The order parameter in the menus.control.php file likely serves as a sorting mechanism for backend menu items, but when improperly handled, it becomes a vector for malicious SQL payloads. Attackers can exploit this by crafting specially formatted order values that, when processed by the vulnerable script, alter the intended database query structure and execute unintended commands.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6065 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with potential access to complete database contents including user credentials, personal information, and system configuration details. An attacker with authenticated access can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, modify or delete database records, and potentially establish persistent access to the system. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the server, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1071.005 (Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols) and T1046 (Network Service Scanning) as attackers first identify the vulnerable endpoint and then exploit it to gain unauthorized database access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6065 should focus on immediate patching of the GeniXCMS application to version 1.0.3 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent similar issues in the future, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before being incorporated into database operations. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments and input validation practices, as it demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can lead to significant security breaches. Organizations should also consider implementing role-based access controls and monitoring for unusual database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.