CVE-2018-7732 in YxtCMF
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in YxtCMF 3.1. SQL Injection exists in ShitiController.class.php via the ids array parameter to exam/shiti/delshiti.html.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7732 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the YxtCMF 3.1 content management framework. This vulnerability specifically affects the ShitiController.class.php component which handles exam-related functionality, particularly the deletion of exam questions through the exam/shiti/delshiti.html endpoint. The flaw occurs when the system processes an 'ids' array parameter that is passed directly into database queries without proper sanitization or validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which defines sql injection as the improper handling of sql command structure in applications, allowing attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to implement proper input validation and parameterized queries when processing the ids array parameter. Attackers can exploit this by submitting malicious array values that contain sql payload strings, potentially allowing them to extract sensitive data, modify database records, or even gain administrative access to the database. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the exam management functionality, which likely contains educational content, student data, and potentially sensitive institutional information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable complete database compromise and unauthorized system access. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially access student records, exam results, administrative credentials, and other sensitive educational data. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability exists in a content management system that likely serves educational institutions, making it attractive to threat actors seeking to access sensitive academic information. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged to establish persistent access points or to deploy additional malicious payloads within the compromised system. The risk is compounded by the fact that this vulnerability affects a framework version that may be widely deployed in educational environments, potentially exposing numerous institutions to the same risk.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the YxtCMF 3.1 framework to the latest version that addresses this specific sql injection flaw. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized query execution throughout the application codebase to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring database accounts used by the application have minimal required permissions and that proper access controls are in place. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar sql injection vulnerabilities in other components of the system. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP top ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, particularly in preventing injection flaws that remain among the most prevalent and dangerous categories of web application vulnerabilities.