CVE-2018-17035 in UCMS
Summary
by MITRE
UCMS 1.4.6 has SQL injection during installation via the install/index.php mysql_dbname parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-17035 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in UCMS version 1.4.6 that occurs during the installation process. This vulnerability specifically targets the install/index.php script where the mysql_dbname parameter is improperly validated and sanitized, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the database server. The issue arises because the application fails to implement proper input validation and parameterized queries when processing database connection parameters during the initial setup phase. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input for the mysql_dbname parameter that gets directly incorporated into SQL queries without adequate sanitization, potentially allowing full database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows the typical SQL injection attack pattern where an attacker manipulates the mysql_dbname parameter to inject malicious SQL payloads. During the installation process, when the application attempts to establish a database connection, the unvalidated parameter value gets embedded directly into SQL execution statements. This flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where user input is not properly escaped or parameterized before being used in database queries. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it occurs during installation, meaning that attackers can compromise the system before it even reaches a production state, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the database server itself.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-17035 extends beyond simple data theft as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate the database schema, extract all stored information, modify or delete critical data, and potentially establish persistent access to the system. During the installation phase, an attacker could leverage this vulnerability to gain administrative privileges on the database, create backdoor accounts, or even escalate their privileges to system-level access. The vulnerability affects organizations deploying UCMS 1.4.6 in environments where installation scripts are accessible to untrusted parties, making it particularly concerning for web applications that may be exposed to public networks or have open installation interfaces. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in software applications to gain unauthorized access to systems and data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the UCMS application to version 1.4.7 or later where the SQL injection flaw has been addressed through proper input validation and parameterized query implementation. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to restrict access to installation scripts and ensure that only authorized personnel can perform system installations. Additional protective measures include disabling installation interfaces in production environments, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, and conducting thorough input validation for all database connection parameters. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs during application setup processes and implementing proper database access controls to prevent unauthorized manipulation of system configuration parameters.