CVE-2021-47711 in Xperience
Summary
by MITRE • 12/18/2025
A SQL injection vulnerability in Kentico Xperience allows authenticated editors to inject malicious SQL queries via online marketing macro method parameters. This enables unauthorized database access and potential data manipulation by exploiting macro method input validation weaknesses.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-47711 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the kentico xperience platform that specifically targets authenticated editors with online marketing macro method parameters. This weakness resides in the input validation mechanisms that govern how macro method parameters are processed within the content management system. The vulnerability manifests when editors utilize online marketing features that incorporate macro methods, creating an attack vector where malicious sql queries can be injected through parameter inputs. The flaw is particularly concerning because it leverages existing authenticated user sessions, eliminating the need for additional authentication bypass techniques. This sql injection vulnerability falls under the cwe-89 category of sql injection, which is classified as a top ten web application security risk by owasp. The attack surface is limited to users who possess editor privileges within the kentico xperience environment, making it a privilege escalation vector rather than a direct remote code execution vulnerability.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2021-47711 occurs when authenticated editors manipulate macro method parameters that are subsequently processed without proper input sanitization or parameterized query construction. The vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input validation controls that should normally filter or escape special sql characters and commands within macro method parameters. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database, potentially gaining access to sensitive information, modifying data, or even escalating privileges within the database. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as the malicious sql queries can be crafted to perform administrative operations such as creating new database users, modifying existing records, or extracting complete database schemas. The vulnerability specifically affects the online marketing module of kentico xperience, which is commonly used for campaign management, personalization, and user behavior tracking. This makes the attack particularly dangerous in environments where marketing data contains sensitive customer information, personal identifiers, or business-critical data.
From an operational perspective, CVE-2021-47711 presents a significant risk to organizations using kentico xperience platforms, particularly those with extensive online marketing operations. The vulnerability can be exploited by insiders with editor access or by attackers who have obtained valid credentials through phishing or other social engineering techniques. The attack chain typically involves gaining access to the kentico xperience interface, navigating to the online marketing section, and then manipulating macro parameters to inject malicious sql. This vulnerability aligns with the attack pattern described in the mitre att&ck framework under the privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques, as it allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially hide their activities within legitimate system operations. Organizations may not immediately detect this type of attack because the malicious sql queries appear to be legitimate system operations, especially when using standard macro parameters that are commonly found in marketing modules.
The remediation and mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-47711 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized query execution throughout the kentico xperience platform. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided security patches or updates that address this specific vulnerability. Additionally, implementing input sanitization controls that filter or escape sql metacharacters within macro method parameters is essential. The security architecture should enforce principle of least privilege by limiting editor access to only necessary online marketing features and implementing strict input validation for all macro method parameters. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and logging to detect unusual sql query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include validation of macro method parameter handling to ensure that similar vulnerabilities do not exist in other parts of the platform. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper application security controls and the need for comprehensive security testing of web applications, particularly those with dynamic parameter processing capabilities that interface with databases.