CVE-2018-18546 in ThinkPHP
Summary
by MITRE
ThinkPHP 3.2.4 has SQL Injection via the order parameter because the Library/Think/Db/Driver.class.php parseOrder function mishandles the key variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-18546 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the ThinkPHP 3.2.4 web application framework. This vulnerability specifically targets the Library/Think/Db/Driver.class.php file where the parseOrder function fails to properly sanitize user input when processing the order parameter. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input that bypasses normal security controls, potentially enabling unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion across affected systems. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the framework's database query parsing mechanism, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the application's database layer directly.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the parseOrder function processes user-supplied order parameters without proper escaping or validation of special SQL characters and keywords. This function is responsible for constructing ORDER BY clauses in database queries, but fails to adequately handle potentially malicious input that could contain SQL injection payloads. When attackers supply crafted order parameters, the function inadvertently incorporates these malicious elements into the final SQL query, allowing for arbitrary SQL command execution. The vulnerability manifests as a classic SQL injection vector where the key variable within the parseOrder function becomes the attack surface, enabling attackers to manipulate the database query structure and potentially gain elevated privileges or access to sensitive data.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-18546 extends beyond simple data exposure, as successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise and potential system takeover. Organizations running ThinkPHP 3.2.4 applications face significant risk of unauthorized data access, data manipulation, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects any application using the affected framework version and can be exploited through various attack vectors including web application penetration testing, automated scanning tools, or manual exploitation techniques. The impact is particularly severe in environments where the framework handles sensitive data such as user credentials, personal information, financial records, or proprietary business data, as the vulnerability could lead to comprehensive data breaches and regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate application of security patches provided by the ThinkPHP development team, as well as implementation of additional defensive measures. Organizations should prioritize updating to patched versions of the framework, specifically ThinkPHP 3.2.5 or later, which contain proper input validation and sanitization for the parseOrder function. Additionally, implementing proper input validation at multiple layers including web application firewalls, application-level sanitization, and database-level query parameterization can provide defense-in-depth. Security controls should include monitoring for suspicious query patterns, implementing least privilege database access controls, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls across multiple attack surfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning and penetration testing to identify similar issues within their application portfolio and ensure proper security posture maintenance.