CVE-2021-40280 in zzcms
Summary
by MITRE • 12/09/2021
An SQL Injection vulnerablitly exits in zzcms 8.2, 8.3, 2020, and 2021 via the id parameter in admin/dl_sendmail.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2021-40280 represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in zzcms versions 8.2, 8.3, 2020, and 2021 affecting the administrative component located at admin/dl_sendmail.php. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, specifically the id parameter that flows directly into database queries without proper escaping or parameterization. The flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate database operations through crafted input, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The affected zzcms versions expose this vulnerability through their administrative interface where the id parameter is processed without sufficient security controls, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system.
The technical exploitation of this SQL injection vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the id parameter in the admin/dl_sendmail.php script. The application fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before incorporating it into SQL queries, enabling attackers to inject additional SQL statements that can manipulate the database behavior. This flaw can be categorized under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it exists within the administrative functionality, providing attackers with elevated privileges and access to sensitive administrative operations. The injection point at the id parameter suggests that the application likely constructs SQL queries using string concatenation or direct input incorporation rather than prepared statements or parameterized queries.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-40280 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can result in complete database compromise and potential system takeover. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and administrative configurations that could facilitate further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of zzcms, indicating a widespread exposure across different releases, which increases the potential attack surface and impact scope. Administrative access through this vulnerability can enable attackers to modify or delete critical system data, manipulate user accounts, or establish persistent backdoors within the application environment. The exposure of database credentials and administrative capabilities through SQL injection creates a significant risk for organizations relying on these vulnerable versions, particularly those handling sensitive information or operating in regulated environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-40280 must prioritize immediate remediation through official vendor updates and patches provided for the affected zzcms versions. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, specifically ensuring that all user-supplied input is properly escaped or parameterized before database processing. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries should replace any direct string concatenation approaches in database interactions. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to detect and block exploitation attempts. Access controls and principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit administrative access to authorized personnel only, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar injection points throughout the application codebase, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive input validation across all application components. The vulnerability also highlights the need for secure coding practices and regular security training for development teams to prevent similar issues in future application releases.