CVE-2023-7189 in S-CMS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/31/2023
A vulnerability classified as critical was found in S-CMS up to 2.0_build20220529-20231006. Affected by this vulnerability is an unknown functionality of the file /s/index.php?action=statistics. The manipulation of the argument lid leads to sql injection. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-249391. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-7189 represents a critical sql injection flaw within S-CMS version 2.0_build20220529-20231006, specifically affecting the statistics functionality accessible through the /s/index.php?action=statistics endpoint. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of the lid parameter, which is processed without proper security measures that would prevent malicious sql code execution. The flaw exists in the application's database interaction layer where user-supplied input directly influences sql query construction, creating an avenue for unauthorized data access and potential system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the lid argument parameter in the statistics action, allowing sql injection attacks to be executed against the underlying database. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a critical weakness in software applications where untrusted data is incorporated into sql queries without proper escaping or parameterization. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it operates through a publicly disclosed exploit that has already been made available to threat actors, increasing the risk of real-world exploitation. The vulnerability's classification as critical indicates the potential for significant impact including data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and possible complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as sql injection attacks can enable attackers to escalate privileges, modify or delete database contents, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the affected system. The lack of vendor response to early disclosure attempts compounds the risk, leaving users without official patches or mitigation guidance during an active exploitation period. This scenario creates an environment where organizations running this version of S-CMS are exposed to immediate threats without vendor support, potentially leading to widespread data breaches and system compromise across affected deployments. The vulnerability affects the core database functionality of the content management system, undermining the integrity and confidentiality of all data stored within the application's database.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including input validation and parameterized queries to address this vulnerability. The recommended approach involves sanitizing all user inputs through proper escaping mechanisms and implementing prepared statements to prevent sql injection. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense in depth, though these should not be considered complete solutions. The absence of vendor response necessitates immediate action from affected parties to either upgrade to patched versions or implement custom workarounds. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts, and access controls should be reviewed to limit the potential impact of successful attacks. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and having robust security practices in place to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities, particularly when vendor response is delayed or absent.