CVE-2023-4446 in RapidCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 08/21/2023
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in OpenRapid RapidCMS 1.3.1. This affects an unknown part of the file template/default/category.php. The manipulation of the argument id leads to sql injection. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-237567.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-4446 represents a critical sql injection flaw within OpenRapid RapidCMS version 1.3.1, specifically impacting the file template/default/category.php. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation when processing the id argument, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database system. The flaw exists in the application's data handling mechanisms where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into sql query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. Security researchers have classified this issue as critical due to its potential for complete database compromise and unauthorized data access. The vulnerability has been publicly disclosed and is actively being exploited, making it a pressing concern for organizations utilizing this content management system. The public availability of exploitation details significantly increases the risk profile and reduces the time window for remediation.
The technical implementation of this sql injection vulnerability occurs within the category.php template file where the id parameter is processed without adequate security controls. When an attacker supplies malicious input through the id argument, the application fails to validate or sanitize this data before incorporating it into database queries. This allows for sql payload injection that can manipulate database structures, extract sensitive information, modify or delete records, and potentially escalate privileges within the database environment. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as it can enable attackers to gain persistent access to the underlying database infrastructure, potentially leading to full system compromise. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious sql payloads that bypass authentication mechanisms and leverage the application's trust in user input to execute unauthorized database operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-4446 is severe and multifaceted, affecting organizations that rely on OpenRapid RapidCMS for content management and web publishing. Successful exploitation can result in complete data breaches, loss of sensitive information, and unauthorized modification of website content. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, reputational damage, and potential legal consequences due to data exposure. The vulnerability's public disclosure status means that threat actors can readily exploit it without requiring advanced technical skills, increasing the attack surface significantly. Additionally, the sql injection flaw can serve as a stepping stone for further attacks within the network infrastructure, as database credentials and system information may be accessible through successful exploitation. The compromised application can also be used as a pivot point for lateral movement attacks, making it a critical security concern for enterprise environments.
Organizations utilizing OpenRapid RapidCMS 1.3.1 must implement immediate mitigations to protect against CVE-2023-4446 exploitation. The primary defense mechanism involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. All user-supplied input, particularly the id argument, should be sanitized and validated before processing within database operations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application stack. The application should be updated to the latest version once available, as vendors typically release patches to address known security flaws. Additionally, database access controls should be reviewed to ensure least privilege principles are enforced, limiting the potential damage from successful exploitation. Monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns that may indicate sql injection activity, aligning with industry standards for security monitoring and incident response.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection flaws in software applications, and follows common attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under the database access and credential access domains. The exploitation of this flaw demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper data sanitization in web applications, as outlined in security best practices and compliance frameworks such as pci dss and iso 27001. Organizations should also consider implementing automated security scanning tools and regular code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities within their software portfolios, ensuring comprehensive protection against sql injection and related attack vectors.