CVE-2017-6492 in Admidio
Summary
by MITRE
SQL Injection was discovered in adm_program/modules/dates/dates_function.php in Admidio 3.2.5. The POST parameter dat_cat_id is concatenated into a SQL query without any input validation/sanitization.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6492 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Admidio 3.2.5 web application, specifically affecting the adm_program/modules/dates/dates_function.php file. This weakness allows malicious actors to manipulate database queries through the dat_cat_id POST parameter, which is directly incorporated into sql commands without proper input validation or sanitization measures. The vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89, which categorizes sql injection attacks as a fundamental security flaw where untrusted data is concatenated into sql commands, creating opportunities for unauthorized database access and data manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application processes user input from the dat_cat_id parameter within the dates_function.php module. When a user submits data through a form or api endpoint that includes this parameter, the application fails to sanitize or validate the input before incorporating it into database queries. This lack of input sanitization creates a direct path for attackers to inject malicious sql code, potentially allowing them to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even execute administrative commands on the underlying database system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the database interaction layer, where successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform extensive damage within the application's database environment. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to access confidential user information, modify or delete critical date and calendar entries, and potentially escalate privileges within the application. The attack surface is significant since the vulnerability affects a core module used for managing dates and calendar events, which are fundamental components of most organizational web applications. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers would likely first identify the vulnerable parameter through reconnaissance activities.
Organizations utilizing Admidio 3.2.5 should immediately implement comprehensive mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary remediation involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application's codebase, specifically within the dates_function.php file and similar modules. The recommended approach includes using prepared statements with parameterized queries to ensure that user input cannot be interpreted as sql commands. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization measures and access controls would significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Security patches should be applied immediately, as the vulnerability affects a widely used open source application where multiple users may be running the vulnerable version. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection while the permanent fixes are being deployed.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of input validation in web application security, particularly for open source platforms that may be deployed in various organizational environments without proper security hardening. This flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor coding oversights can create significant security risks, especially when applications handle sensitive data through database interactions. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities and implement robust security development lifecycle practices to prevent such issues from occurring in future software releases. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of regular security updates and patch management processes to protect against known exploits that target specific versions of widely used applications.