CVE-2021-45014 in taocms
Summary
by MITRE • 12/14/2021
There is an upload sql injection vulnerability in the background of taocms 3.0.2 in parameter id:action=cms&ctrl=update&id=26
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-45014 represents a critical server-side SQL injection flaw within the taocms 3.0.2 content management system. This vulnerability exists in the administrative backend interface where user input is improperly sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. The specific attack vector occurs through the id parameter in the URL structure where action=cms&ctrl=update&id=26, indicating that the vulnerability is triggered during content management operations when updating records. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and parameter binding mechanisms that allow malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database layer. This represents a classic SQL injection vulnerability that falls under CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands. The vulnerability exposes the underlying database to potential unauthorized access, data manipulation, and complete database compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to manipulate the id parameter value in the update controller to inject malicious SQL payloads. When the application processes the update request, the unsanitized id value gets directly concatenated into SQL query strings without proper parameterization or input filtering. This creates an environment where attackers can execute arbitrary database commands, potentially leading to data extraction, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the administrative context, providing attackers with elevated privileges and access to sensitive backend functionality. Attackers could leverage this weakness to escalate their privileges, gain persistent access to the system, or extract confidential information from the database. The operational impact extends beyond simple data theft, as the vulnerability could enable complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access.
The exploitation of CVE-2021-45014 aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and privilege escalation. The vulnerability fits within the technique of SQL injection under the broader category of command and control communications. Organizations using taocms 3.0.2 are at significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential system takeover. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it resides in the administrative interface, meaning that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise. Database administrators and security teams should be particularly concerned about this vulnerability as it represents a direct pathway to database manipulation and potential data exfiltration. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that many content management systems like taocms often store sensitive user information, configuration data, and business-critical information within their databases.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-45014 should prioritize immediate patching of the taocms 3.0.2 application to the latest available version that addresses this SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. Database access controls should be reviewed and restricted to minimize the impact of potential exploitation. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential SQL injection points within the application and surrounding systems. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and code reviews should be mandated to ensure proper input sanitization and parameter handling practices are maintained across all application components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and following the principle of least privilege when designing and implementing database interactions in web applications.