CVE-2020-20295 in CMSWing
Summary
by MITRE • 02/02/2021
An issue was found in CMSWing project version 1.3.8. Because the updateAction function does not check the detail parameter, malicious parameters can execute arbitrary SQL commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-20295 resides within the CMSWing content management system version 1.3.8, representing a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized SQL command execution through improper input validation. This vulnerability stems from the updateAction function's failure to adequately validate or sanitize the detail parameter, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the system's database operations. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper parameter validation that directly violates fundamental security principles governing database interaction within web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the updateAction function processes user-supplied data without sufficient sanitization measures, allowing attackers to manipulate the detail parameter to include malicious SQL payloads. This weakness falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, where inadequate input validation permits attackers to execute unauthorized database commands. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to implement proper parameter binding or input sanitization techniques that would normally prevent such injection attacks. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious parameter values that, when processed by the updateAction function, get directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper escaping or validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it provides attackers with potentially full database access capabilities. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially leading to data exfiltration, data corruption, unauthorized privilege escalation, or even complete system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that CMSWing is a content management system, which typically handles sensitive user data, configuration information, and application logic that could be leveraged for further attacks within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability represents a critical risk to organizations relying on this CMS version, as it can be exploited without requiring elevated privileges or specialized knowledge beyond basic SQL injection techniques.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameter sanitization within the updateAction function. The recommended approach involves implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries to ensure that user-supplied data cannot be interpreted as SQL commands. Additionally, developers should enforce strict input validation on all parameters, particularly those used in database operations, and implement proper error handling that does not expose database internals to end users. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms as additional defensive layers. The fix should align with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically addressing the SQL injection techniques that leverage insufficient input validation. Regular security audits and code reviews should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future development cycles, with particular attention to database interaction patterns and parameter handling throughout the application codebase.