CVE-2018-17416 in zzcms
Summary
by MITRE
A SQL injection vulnerability exists in zzcms v8.3 via the /admin/adclass.php bigclassid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2018-17416 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in zzcms version 8.3 that specifically targets the administrative interface through the /admin/adclass.php script. This vulnerability manifests when the bigclassid parameter is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database query execution flow. The affected application fails to properly escape or parameterize user-supplied input, allowing attackers to manipulate the underlying database structure and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
This SQL injection vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command, which is classified as a fundamental weakness in software design that directly enables database manipulation attacks. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where user input flows directly into database queries without proper security controls. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that bypass authentication mechanisms or extract confidential data from the database. The impact is particularly severe in administrative contexts where the application handles sensitive information and user credentials.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond simple data theft to include complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary database commands including SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE operations, potentially leading to data corruption, unauthorized privilege escalation, or complete database takeover. The vulnerability affects the administrative functionality of zzcms, which means that successful exploitation could allow attackers to modify or delete critical content, alter user permissions, or even gain persistent access to the system through backdoor creation.
Security mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-17416 should focus on implementing proper input validation, parameterized queries, and input sanitization techniques. Organizations should immediately apply vendor patches or updates that address this vulnerability through proper parameterization of database queries and input validation. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious SQL injection patterns. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security weaknesses in the application architecture. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 for Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols and T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures including network segmentation and regular vulnerability scanning to prevent exploitation attempts.