CVE-2021-3817 in wbce_cms
Summary
by MITRE • 12/09/2021
wbce_cms is vulnerable to Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-3817 affects the wbce_cms content management system and represents a critical SQL injection weakness that stems from improper neutralization of special elements within SQL commands. This flaw exists in the application's handling of user input that gets directly incorporated into database queries without adequate sanitization or parameterization. The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate SQL queries through malicious input, potentially enabling unauthorized access to sensitive data, data modification, or even complete system compromise. The issue is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers who simply need to provide specially crafted input to the application's database interaction points.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the application's failure to properly escape or sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL queries. According to CWE-89, this maps directly to SQL injection vulnerabilities where input validation and sanitization mechanisms are insufficient. The flaw typically manifests when user input flows directly into database query construction without proper parameterization or escaping techniques. Attackers can exploit this by injecting malicious SQL code through various input fields such as search parameters, form inputs, or URL parameters that are processed by the CMS. The vulnerability follows the pattern described in the ATT&CK framework under T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation, where adversaries leverage weaknesses in application code to manipulate database interactions.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-3817 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and business disruption. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and administrative access details from the database. The vulnerability also enables data manipulation attacks where malicious actors can alter or delete database records, potentially corrupting the entire CMS installation. In severe cases, successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on the server or escalate privileges within the database environment. The attack surface is particularly wide since web-based content management systems typically process numerous input points from various user interactions, making comprehensive input validation challenging but essential for mitigation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input sanitization and parameterized query execution throughout the wbce_cms codebase. Organizations should implement strict input validation that filters or escapes special characters such as single quotes, semicolons, and comment markers that could be used to manipulate SQL syntax. The recommended approach involves adopting prepared statements or parameterized queries as outlined in OWASP Top Ten security practices, ensuring that user input is never directly concatenated into SQL commands. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and database permissions can limit the damage from successful exploitation attempts. Regular security auditing of the CMS codebase and adherence to secure coding practices, including the principle of least privilege and input/output sanitization, should be enforced. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and provide additional layers of defense against SQL injection attacks.