CVE-2018-19552 in Email Marketer
Summary
by MITRE
Interspire Email Marketer through 6.1.6 has SQL Injection via a deleteblock blockid[] request to Dynamiccontenttags.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/15/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-19552 represents a critical sql injection flaw discovered in Interspire Email Marketer version 6.1.6 and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the dynamiccontenttags.php script which processes user input through the deleteblock blockid[] parameter. The flaw allows authenticated attackers with administrative privileges to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database system. The vulnerability classification aligns with cwe-89 which specifically addresses sql injection conditions where untrusted data is incorporated into sql queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. The attack vector specifically targets the dynamic content management functionality of the email marketing platform, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on this system for their communication infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic sql injection pattern where user-supplied data flows directly into database query construction without adequate input validation or sanitization. When an attacker submits malicious input through the blockid[] parameter in the deleteblock request, the application fails to properly escape or parameterize the input before incorporating it into sql statements. This creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the sql query structure and potentially extract sensitive data, modify database records, or even execute destructive operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only administrative access to exploit, meaning that attackers who have gained access to an admin account can immediately leverage this flaw to escalate their compromise. This aligns with attack techniques documented in the attack framework under initial access and privilege escalation categories.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-19552 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete database compromise and potential system infiltration. Organizations using Interspire Email Marketer may face unauthorized access to customer databases, campaign data, and potentially sensitive user information including email addresses, personal details, and communication records. The vulnerability could enable attackers to modify or delete content, inject malicious code into the email delivery system, or establish persistent access points within the organization's communication infrastructure. Given that email marketing platforms often contain extensive user databases and campaign data, the potential for data exfiltration and secondary attacks is significant. The vulnerability also impacts the platform's integrity and availability, as attackers could potentially disrupt email delivery services or corrupt database structures. This type of vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in industry standards such as the iso/iec 27001 information security framework and specifically addresses the need for input validation and secure coding practices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-19552 should focus on immediate patching of the Interspire Email Marketer application to version 6.1.7 or later which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including input validation on all user-supplied parameters, parameterized queries for database interactions, and strict access controls limiting administrative privileges to essential personnel only. Network segmentation and monitoring of sql traffic can help detect suspicious activity patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of similar applications and ensure that all web applications follow secure coding practices including proper input sanitization and output encoding. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security updates and maintaining current threat intelligence to identify and remediate similar issues across the organization's technology stack. Organizations should implement web application firewalls and database activity monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual sql query patterns that may indicate injection attacks.