CVE-2018-11722 in WUZHI
Summary
by MITRE
WUZHI CMS 4.1.0 has a SQL Injection in api/uc.php via the 'code' parameter, because 'UC_KEY' is hard coded.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2018-11722 represents a critical sql injection flaw in WUZHI CMS version 4.1.0 that specifically targets the api/uc.php endpoint. This vulnerability arises from the improper handling of the 'code' parameter which allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands into the database query execution flow. The weakness is particularly concerning because it leverages a hardcoded UC_KEY value that serves as a critical security component within the application's communication framework. The hardcoded nature of this key eliminates the dynamic security measures that would typically protect against such attacks, making the system particularly susceptible to exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize or validate input parameters before incorporating them into database queries. When an attacker submits a malicious value through the 'code' parameter in the api/uc.php file, the system processes this input without adequate protection mechanisms, allowing sql injection payloads to be executed directly against the underlying database. This flaw falls under the CWE-89 category of sql injection vulnerabilities, which are among the most prevalent and dangerous security issues in web applications. The specific attack vector involves manipulating the communication protocol between the cms and the user center component through the hardcoded key that should normally provide authentication and authorization context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it provides attackers with potential full database access capabilities. Successful exploitation could enable unauthorized users to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and application configuration details. The hardcoded UC_KEY value creates a persistent security weakness that remains exploitable regardless of system updates or patches, as the key itself cannot be changed without modifying the application source code. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1190 for exploit public-facing application, as it targets a publicly accessible api endpoint that serves as an entry point for database compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-11722 require immediate action to address the hardcoded security key and implement proper input validation controls. Organizations should first patch the application to the latest available version that addresses this vulnerability, as the developers have likely released a fix that removes or properly manages the UC_KEY value. Additionally, implementing proper parameterized queries and input sanitization mechanisms will prevent similar issues from occurring in other parts of the application. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for sql injection patterns targeting the affected api endpoint. The remediation process should also include reviewing all hardcoded security values throughout the application to identify and address similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other components, as this represents a broader architectural security flaw that requires comprehensive assessment and remediation across the entire system.