CVE-2020-18013 in whatsns
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2021
SQL Injextion vulnerability exists in Whatsns 4.0 via the ip parameter in index.php?admin_banned/add.htm.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-18013 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Whatsns 4.0 content management system. This vulnerability specifically manifests through the ip parameter within the index.php?admin_banned/add.htm endpoint, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized database operations. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command, making it a classic sql injection vulnerability that can be exploited by attackers to manipulate database operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data retrieval, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive information from the database, modify or delete critical records, and potentially escalate privileges within the affected system. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to user credentials, personal information, and other confidential data stored within the Whatsns 4.0 platform. The vulnerability's location within the admin_banned/add.htm endpoint suggests that it may provide attackers with administrative capabilities, particularly if the application employs role-based access controls where banned user management functions are restricted to privileged users. This creates a potential attack vector for privilege escalation and persistent access to the compromised system.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the attack pattern described in the mitre att&ck framework under the technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol and T1213.002 for data from information repositories, as it enables attackers to manipulate application data and extract information through database manipulation. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal complexity and can be automated using standard sql injection tools, making it particularly dangerous in environments where automated scanning tools are deployed. The affected Whatsns 4.0 platform represents a common target for automated attacks due to its widespread deployment and the typical lack of robust input validation in content management systems. Organizations using this software face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential system compromise if this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-18013 should prioritize immediate patching of the Whatsns 4.0 software to the latest version that addresses this sql injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, including parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent sql injection attacks. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems should be configured to detect and block sql injection attempts targeting the specific vulnerable endpoint. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application's codebase. The implementation of least privilege principles for database access and regular monitoring of database activities can help detect unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can alert administrators to suspicious sql commands and unauthorized data access patterns. Compliance with security standards such as owasp top 10 and nist cybersecurity framework should be maintained to ensure comprehensive protection against sql injection and similar vulnerabilities.