CVE-2018-20480 in S-Cms
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in S-CMS 1.0. It allows SQL Injection via the js/pic.php P_id parameter.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-20480 represents a critical security flaw in S-CMS version 1.0 that exposes the system to unauthorized data access through SQL injection techniques. This issue specifically targets the js/pic.php endpoint where the P_id parameter serves as an entry point for malicious input manipulation. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-89 which defines SQL injection as a code injection technique that exploits vulnerabilities in applications that use dynamic SQL queries. The affected parameter P_id in the pic.php script demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and sanitization that allows attackers to inject malicious SQL commands directly into the database query execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft as it provides attackers with potentially complete control over the database backend. When an attacker submits malicious input through the P_id parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This creates a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially leading to data exfiltration, data modification, or even complete database compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects a script that handles picture management functionality, suggesting that attackers could manipulate not only image metadata but also underlying database structures that store user information, configuration settings, or other sensitive data.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which describes application layer protocol manipulation and T1190 which covers exploitation of remote services. Attackers could leverage this weakness to perform unauthorized database queries, extract sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, or system configurations, and potentially escalate privileges within the application. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate security best practices outlined in OWASP Top 10 2017 category A03: Injection, which specifically addresses SQL injection as one of the most prevalent web application security flaws. Organizations using S-CMS 1.0 are particularly at risk as this vulnerability enables attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and access protected database resources without proper authorization.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-20480 should focus on immediate input validation and parameter sanitization measures. The most effective approach involves implementing proper parameterized queries or prepared statements throughout the application codebase, particularly in the js/pic.php script where the vulnerability occurs. Additionally, comprehensive input validation should be implemented to reject or escape any special characters that could be used in SQL injection attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns targeting the affected endpoint. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application, while the vendor should be notified to release a patched version addressing this specific weakness. The remediation process must also include proper access controls and database privilege management to limit the potential damage even if similar vulnerabilities exist in other parts of the system.