CVE-2022-30815 in elitecms
Summary
by MITRE • 06/02/2022
elitecms 1.01 is vulnerable to SQL Injection via admin/edit_sidebar.php?page=2&sidebar=
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-30815 affects elitecms version 1.01 and represents a critical sql injection flaw that can be exploited through the administrative interface. This vulnerability specifically targets the admin/edit_sidebar.php script where the page parameter is manipulated to inject malicious sql commands. The flaw resides in the improper handling of user input within the sidebar management functionality, allowing unauthorized attackers to execute arbitrary sql queries against the underlying database. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the administrative context, providing attackers with elevated privileges to manipulate or extract sensitive data from the cms system. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-89 sql injection as defined by the common weakness enumeration, which classifies it as a serious security flaw that can lead to complete system compromise. The attack vector is straightforward as it requires only a specific url parameter manipulation to exploit the vulnerability, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into sql queries. When an attacker modifies the page parameter in the url to include malicious sql payloads, the application directly incorporates this input into database queries without adequate validation or parameterization. This allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract database contents, modify or delete records, and potentially gain further access to the underlying system. The vulnerability affects the sidebar management functionality specifically, which suggests that the application uses dynamic sql construction based on user input without proper input validation. The impact is compounded by the fact that this occurs within the admin interface, meaning that successful exploitation could provide attackers with administrative privileges and full control over the content management system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using elitecms 1.01 as it can result in complete data compromise and system takeover. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive information including user credentials, database schemas, and potentially other system data that may be stored within the cms. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious sql payloads that can be injected through the sidebar parameter, potentially leading to data exfiltration, privilege escalation, or even remote code execution depending on the database configuration and underlying system architecture. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as a critical threat that requires immediate attention, particularly given the administrative context in which it operates. The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers using standard sql injection techniques and tools, making it a common target for automated scanning and exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-30815 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected elitecms version to the latest available release that addresses this specific sql injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent similar issues in the future, following secure coding practices that align with owasp top ten security controls. The implementation of web application firewalls and input sanitization measures can provide additional protection layers while waiting for official patches. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in admin interface access and sql query execution. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts to reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust security controls as outlined in the mitre attack framework where such vulnerabilities often serve as initial access points for more sophisticated attacks.