CVE-2022-0153 in ForkCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 03/24/2022
SQL Injection in GitHub repository forkcms/forkcms prior to 5.11.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0153 represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in the Fork CMS content management system prior to version 5.11.1. This issue affects the repository forkcms/forkcms and demonstrates a significant weakness in how user input is handled within the application's database interaction layer. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that allow malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands through specific application parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly escape or parameterize user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL queries. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that manipulates the SQL execution flow, potentially gaining unauthorized access to database contents, modifying sensitive information, or executing destructive operations. The flaw specifically impacts the authentication and authorization mechanisms within Fork CMS, where user credentials and session data may be exposed to unauthorized parties through direct database manipulation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations utilizing Fork CMS versions prior to 5.11.1 as it enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain full administrative privileges. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include complete system compromise, data corruption, and potential lateral movement within affected networks. Security professionals should note that the vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which classifies SQL injection as a persistent weakness in software applications that fail to properly validate or sanitize input data before database execution.
The attack surface for this vulnerability encompasses all user-facing interfaces within Fork CMS that process external input, particularly authentication forms, search functionalities, and administrative panels. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract confidential information including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations. The exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated using existing penetration testing tools, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with inadequate security monitoring in place. Organizations should consider implementing the ATT&CK framework's T1190 technique for network service exploitation as part of their defensive strategies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-0153 primarily involve upgrading to Fork CMS version 5.11.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and parameterized query implementations. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls, deploying database activity monitoring solutions, and establishing comprehensive input sanitization protocols. Security teams should also conduct thorough code reviews focusing on database interaction patterns and implement automated vulnerability scanning to identify similar weaknesses in other applications. Organizations utilizing older versions should consider temporary network segmentation and strict access control measures while planning their upgrade schedules to minimize exposure windows.