CVE-2018-17136 in zzcms
Summary
by MITRE
zzcms 8.3 contains a SQL Injection vulnerability in /user/check.php via a Client-Ip HTTP header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-17136 represents a critical sql injection flaw within zzcms version 8.3 that specifically targets the /user/check.php endpoint. This vulnerability exploits the improper handling of the Client-Ip HTTP header parameter, which allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands into the database query execution process. The flaw exists because the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input originating from the Client-Ip header before incorporating it into sql statements. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of cwe-89 sql injection as defined by the common weakness enumeration framework, where untrusted data is directly concatenated into sql commands without adequate validation or sanitization measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with the potential to execute unauthorized database operations including but not limited to data extraction, modification, or deletion. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to bypass authentication mechanisms, access sensitive user information, or even escalate privileges within the application's database layer. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the Client-Ip header can be easily manipulated by attackers through various means including proxy tools, custom http requests, or by exploiting other vulnerabilities that might allow header manipulation. This vulnerability is classified under the attack technique t1213 database persistence within the mitre att&ck framework as it enables attackers to maintain access and extract data from the backend database system. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious Client-Ip header values containing sql payload strings that when processed by the vulnerable application, result in unintended sql command execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-17136 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized query execution throughout the application codebase. The most effective immediate fix involves sanitizing all user-supplied input from the Client-Ip header through proper escaping or validation before any database operations occur. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious sql injection patterns in http headers. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version of zzcms that addresses this specific vulnerability. Regular security testing including sql injection vulnerability scans should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other application components. The implementation of least privilege database access controls and proper logging mechanisms will help detect unauthorized database access attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing automated monitoring for unusual database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation across all http headers and parameters, particularly in applications that handle user authentication and authorization processes.