CVE-2019-5488 in ESPCMS-P8
Summary
by MITRE
EARCLINK ESPCMS-P8 has SQL injection in the install_pack/index.php?ac=Member&at=verifyAccount verify_key parameter. install_pack/espcms_public/espcms_db.php may allow retrieving sensitive information from the ESPCMS database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-5488 affects the EARCLINK ESPCMS-P8 content management system and represents a critical SQL injection flaw that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to sensitive database information. This vulnerability specifically resides within the installation package component of the software, where the verifyAccount parameter in the install_pack/index.php script fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into database queries. The affected parameter is processed through the install_pack/espcms_public/espcms_db.php file which serves as the database interface layer for the ESPCMS system, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to extract confidential data from the underlying database infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices within the ESPCMS installation process. When an attacker supplies malicious input to the verify_key parameter, the system fails to employ proper parameterized queries or input filtering mechanisms that would normally prevent SQL injection attacks. This allows an attacker to manipulate the database query execution flow and potentially execute arbitrary SQL commands against the database server. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it exists within the installation package rather than the main application, suggesting that even during the setup phase, the system is vulnerable to exploitation, which could provide attackers with early access to database credentials and structural information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to gain comprehensive access to the entire ESPCMS database structure and contents. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially retrieve user credentials, configuration data, application logic, and other sensitive information stored within the database. This could lead to complete system compromise, as the extracted credentials might be used to escalate privileges or access additional systems within the network. The vulnerability also poses risks to data integrity and confidentiality, as attackers could modify or delete database records, potentially causing system instability or data loss. Additionally, the fact that this vulnerability exists during the installation phase means that organizations may not have adequate protection during their most vulnerable period when system configurations are being established.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-5488 should focus on immediate patching of the affected ESPCMS version, as well as implementing network-level protections to prevent unauthorized access to the installation package components. Organizations should ensure that the installation package is only accessible to authorized personnel and that proper access controls are implemented to restrict access to the verifyAccount functionality. The implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application codebase, particularly in database interaction components. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and network segmentation should be considered to limit the potential impact of successful attacks. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and input validation that forms the foundation of secure coding practices. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under the T1190 technique for exploitation of remote services, as it allows attackers to exploit a service that is part of the initial system setup process. Organizations should also conduct thorough code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other database interaction points and ensure that all input is properly sanitized before database operations are performed.