CVE-2019-14968 in imcat
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in imcat 4.9. There is SQL Injection via the index.php order parameter in a mod=faqs action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-14968 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the imcat content management system version 4.9. This security weakness specifically manifests through the index.php script where the order parameter becomes susceptible to malicious input manipulation when the mod=faqs action is invoked. The flaw resides in the application's improper handling of user-supplied data within database query construction, creating an avenue for attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database infrastructure. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL query strings without adequate sanitization or parameterization measures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input for the order parameter in the context of the faqs module. The imcat application fails to implement proper input validation or parameterized queries, allowing an attacker to inject SQL syntax that can manipulate the database query execution flow. When the application processes the order parameter without adequate sanitization, the injected SQL code gets executed within the database context, potentially enabling attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even gain unauthorized administrative access to the system. This type of vulnerability represents a classic example of insufficient input sanitization that violates fundamental secure coding practices and exposes the application to various attack vectors including data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it provides attackers with substantial control over the affected system's database layer. An attacker could potentially extract user credentials, personal information, or other sensitive data stored within the imcat application's database. The vulnerability also enables privilege escalation attacks where malicious actors might attempt to elevate their access level within the application to administrative privileges. Furthermore, the exploitation of this flaw could lead to complete system compromise, especially if the database user account has elevated permissions. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the vulnerability is accessible through a standard web interface, making it relatively easy for attackers to discover and exploit without requiring specialized tools or deep technical knowledge of the underlying system architecture. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1046, which addresses network service enumeration, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to map and exploit database services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-14968 should prioritize immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized queries throughout the imcat application codebase. The most effective remediation involves updating the index.php script to utilize prepared statements or parameterized queries when processing the order parameter in the faqs module. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization routines and output encoding can prevent malicious SQL code from being executed within the database context. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns, while conducting comprehensive code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be enforced to ensure that all known vulnerabilities are addressed promptly. The implementation of proper access controls and least privilege principles for database accounts can further limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to alert on anomalous database query patterns that might indicate SQL injection attacks. Given the nature of this vulnerability, organizations should also perform thorough penetration testing and vulnerability assessments to identify any additional attack vectors that might exist within the application's codebase, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar or related vulnerabilities.