CVE-2021-37358 in SeaCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 08/18/2021
SQL Injection in SEACMS v210530 (2021-05-30) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the component "admin_ajax.php?action=checkrepeat&v_name=".
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2021-37358 represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in SEACMS version 210530, specifically affecting the admin_ajax.php component. This vulnerability resides within the parameter handling mechanism where the v_name parameter is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or input validation. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate database queries through maliciously crafted input, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the admin_ajax.php script, which processes administrative requests through the checkrepeat action. When an attacker submits a specially crafted v_name parameter containing SQL payload, the application fails to properly escape or sanitize this input before incorporating it into database queries. This design flaw directly maps to CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as weaknesses in software that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through untrusted input. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in exposed web environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected server. This capability allows threat actors to escalate privileges, establish persistent backdoors, and potentially compromise the entire web infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the administrative functionality of SEACMS, which means attackers could gain access to administrative controls and potentially manipulate content management systems, user accounts, and sensitive database information. The remote execution capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation, where attackers exploit web application vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access and control.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the SEACMS application to the latest version that addresses the SQL injection flaw. Organizations should implement input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious SQL payloads from being processed. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit access to administrative endpoints, while web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application stack. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and parameterized queries in preventing SQL injection attacks, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top 10 and NIST guidelines for secure coding practices.