CVE-2021-38723 in Fuel
Summary
by MITRE • 09/09/2021
FUEL CMS 1.5.0 allows SQL Injection via parameter 'col' in /fuel/index.php/fuel/pages/items
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2021-38723 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in FUEL CMS version 1.5.0 that specifically targets the parameter 'col' within the URL path /fuel/index.php/fuel/pages/items. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, which is classified as a severe security weakness in web applications that allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the database backend. The affected application path suggests this vulnerability exists within the content management system's page management functionality, specifically in the items endpoint that handles page-related data operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the 'col' parameter, which is then directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. This flaw enables an attacker to manipulate the database query structure and potentially extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even gain unauthorized access to the underlying database system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects a core administrative function within the CMS, potentially allowing full compromise of the content management infrastructure and all associated data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges within the CMS environment and potentially compromise the entire web application stack. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious SQL commands that might reveal database schema information, extract user credentials, modify content, or even establish persistence mechanisms within the CMS. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 for Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols and T1566.001 for Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as it represents a common attack vector through web application interfaces that can lead to broader system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-38723 should prioritize immediate patching of the FUEL CMS to version 1.5.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout their web applications to prevent similar issues. Additionally, network segmentation and web application firewalls should be deployed to monitor and filter suspicious database query patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and maintaining up-to-date software versions to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities in content management systems.