CVE-2017-7878 in flatCore
Summary
by MITRE
SQL Injection vulnerability in flatCore version 1.4.6 allows an attacker to read and write to the users database.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2022
The CVE-2017-7878 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw discovered in flatCore version 1.4.6, a content management system designed for simple website management. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's database interaction layers, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying sql database through crafted input parameters. The flaw specifically affects the user authentication and management components of the system, where user data is processed and stored in the database. Security researchers identified that when the application handles user input for authentication or administrative functions, it fails to properly escape or parameterize sql query elements, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql code directly into the execution pipeline.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows standard sql injection attack patterns where an attacker crafts malicious input that bypasses normal input validation checks. When the vulnerable flatCore application processes this input, it incorporates the malicious sql fragments directly into database queries without proper sanitization. This allows attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against the database, potentially gaining unauthorized access to user credentials, personal information, and other sensitive data stored within the system's database schema. The vulnerability specifically enables both read and write operations, meaning attackers can not only extract user information but also modify or delete database entries, including user accounts and their associated privileges.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations utilizing flatCore 1.4.6, particularly those managing user accounts and sensitive data through the platform. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include potential account takeovers, data corruption, and system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, create backdoor accounts, or extract comprehensive user databases containing personal information, login credentials, and potentially system configuration details. The vulnerability affects the core user management functionality of the platform, making it a high-value target for threat actors seeking persistent access to compromised systems. Organizations with multiple user accounts or those handling sensitive data through flatCore are particularly at risk, as a single successful exploitation could provide attackers with broad access to user resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-7878 require immediate action to address the underlying sql injection vulnerability through proper input validation, parameterized queries, and secure coding practices. System administrators should prioritize upgrading to a patched version of flatCore that implements proper sql injection防护 mechanisms, including input sanitization, query parameterization, and proper error handling. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 sql injection weakness category and represents a common attack vector classified under ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploit public-facing application. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers, including application-level filtering, database-level query parameterization, and regular security code reviews. Additionally, network segmentation, web application firewalls, and monitoring systems should be deployed to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.