CVE-2020-23711 in NavigateCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 06/28/2021
SQL Injection vulnerability in NavigateCMS 2.9 via the URL encoded GET input category in navigate.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2021
The SQL injection vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-23711 affects NavigateCMS version 2.9 and represents a critical security flaw that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands through maliciously crafted input. This vulnerability specifically manifests in the navigate.php script where the category parameter received via URL encoded GET requests is not properly sanitized or validated before being incorporated into database queries. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the underlying database structure and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the CMS. The vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection as a weakness that occurs when an application incorporates untrusted data into SQL queries without proper sanitization, making it one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security vulnerabilities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft malicious URL parameters that inject SQL code into the category input field. When the navigate.php script processes these parameters without adequate input validation, the malformed SQL commands are executed within the database context, potentially allowing attackers to extract, modify, or delete database contents. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it operates through standard HTTP GET requests, making it easily exploitable through web browsers or automated scanning tools. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of the CMS database, potentially exposing user credentials, content management data, and other sensitive information stored within the application's backend.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-23711 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized administrative access. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, modify website content, inject malicious code, or establish persistent backdoors within the affected system. The vulnerability's presence in NavigateCMS 2.9 means that organizations using this specific version face significant risk without proper mitigation measures. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers target exposed web applications to gain initial access to systems. The impact is particularly severe for content management systems as they often contain sensitive organizational data and serve as entry points for broader network infiltration attempts.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and parameterized query usage to prevent SQL injection attacks. The recommended approach involves sanitizing all user inputs, particularly those used in database queries, and implementing proper escape sequences for special characters. Additionally, organizations should apply the latest security patches provided by NavigateCMS developers to address this vulnerability. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation controls can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application stack, as SQL injection remains one of the top ten web application security risks according to OWASP. System administrators should also monitor database logs for suspicious activities and implement proper access controls to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.