CVE-2023-50563 in SEMCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/14/2023
Semcms v4.8 was discovered to contain a SQL injection vulnerability via the AID parameter at SEMCMS_Function.php.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-50563 affects Semcms version 4.8 and represents a critical SQL injection flaw that could enable unauthorized access to sensitive data. This vulnerability specifically manifests through the AID parameter within the SEMCMS_Function.php file, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries and potentially extract confidential information. The flaw resides in the application's input validation mechanisms, where user-supplied data fails to be properly sanitized before being incorporated into database operations. This weakness allows attackers to inject malicious SQL commands that can be executed by the underlying database system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which classifies SQL injection as a serious weakness in software applications that process database queries. The attack vector occurs when the application directly incorporates user input into SQL statements without proper sanitization or parameterization. In the context of SEMCMS_Function.php, the AID parameter likely serves as an identifier for accessing specific content or administrative functions, making it a prime target for exploitation. When an attacker crafts malicious input containing SQL payload within this parameter, the application processes it without adequate validation, resulting in unauthorized database access. This vulnerability can be exploited through various methods including UNION-based attacks, error-based exploitation, or blind SQL injection techniques depending on the database system in use.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass potential complete system compromise and unauthorized administrative access. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to user credentials, personal information, business data, and potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The implications are particularly severe for content management systems like SEMCMS that often handle sensitive business information and user data. Depending on the database configuration and access controls, exploitation could lead to data modification, deletion, or unauthorized system access. The vulnerability affects not only the confidentiality of data but also the integrity and availability of the affected system, creating a multi-faceted security risk.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching and code review processes to address the root cause of the SQL injection flaw. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout their application code to prevent similar issues from occurring. The use of prepared statements and proper sanitization techniques should be enforced across all database interactions, particularly for parameters like AID that serve as database identifiers. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious database queries and unusual access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in the application codebase, aligning with industry standards and best practices for secure software development. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following ATT&CK framework principles for defensive measures, particularly in preventing initial access and maintaining persistence through database-level attacks.