CVE-2018-16822 in SeaCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SeaCMS 6.64 allows SQL Injection via the upload/admin/admin_video.php order parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-16822 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in SeaCMS version 6.64 that specifically affects the upload/admin/admin_video.php script. This vulnerability arises from improper input validation and sanitization of the order parameter, which is directly incorporated into database queries without adequate protection mechanisms. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized data access.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is directly included in SQL command strings without proper sanitization or parameterization. The attack vector exploits the lack of input validation in the administrative interface, particularly targeting the order parameter that controls sorting functionality within the video management system. When an attacker submits malicious input through this parameter, the application fails to properly escape or parameterize the input before executing database queries, creating an exploitable condition that allows for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. An attacker who successfully exploits this SQL injection flaw can gain unauthorized access to the entire database backend, potentially extracting sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations. The vulnerability also enables privilege escalation attacks where attackers can manipulate database queries to elevate their access rights within the application. Additionally, the compromise of the database backend can lead to complete system takeover, data corruption, and potential lateral movement within network environments where SeaCMS is deployed.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the SeaCMS application to version 6.65 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring all user-supplied data is properly escaped before being incorporated into database queries. The use of parameterized queries or prepared statements should be enforced throughout the application codebase to prevent similar issues. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit administrative access points, while regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability falls under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, and T1071.005 - Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols, highlighting the need for proper web application security controls and network monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts.