CVE-2020-21400 in PHPMyWind
Summary
by MITRE • 06/20/2023
SQL injection vulnerability in gaozhifeng PHPMyWind v.5.6 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via the id variable in the modify function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/10/2024
The CVE-2020-21400 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in PHPMyWind version 5.6, a content management system widely used for website administration. This vulnerability exists within the modify function of the application's database interaction layer, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database through crafted input parameters. The vulnerability specifically targets the id variable parameter, which is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL commands that can be executed within the database context.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a specially crafted id parameter value that contains malicious SQL syntax. The application fails to properly escape or validate this input before incorporating it into database queries, enabling the execution of arbitrary SQL commands. This flaw falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, which is classified as a high-risk vulnerability in the Common Weakness Enumeration database. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by its remote nature, meaning attackers do not require physical access to the system to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in web-facing applications.
From an operational perspective, the consequences of this vulnerability can be severe for affected organizations. Successful exploitation allows attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms, escalate privileges, and access sensitive information stored within the database. Additionally, the ability to execute arbitrary code through SQL injection opens possibilities for further attack vectors including lateral movement within network environments, persistence mechanisms, and data exfiltration operations that align with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1078 and T1046 categories.
Organizations affected by CVE-2020-21400 should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to protect their systems. The primary remediation involves updating PHPMyWind to a patched version that properly validates and sanitizes input parameters before database processing. Input validation should include strict type checking, parameterized queries, and proper escaping of special characters to prevent malicious SQL injection attempts. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional monitoring and blocking capabilities. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, while implementing least privilege principles for database access and maintaining comprehensive logging of database activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in web applications and aligns with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.