Source: cve@mitre.org
SQL injection vulnerability in post.php in XZero Community Classifieds 4.95.11 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the subcatid parameter to index.php.
XZero Community Classifieds 4.95.11 and earlier are vulnerable to a critical SQL injection flaw, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL commands. This vulnerability, exploitable via the subcatid parameter, could lead to complete database compromise, including sensitive data theft and server takeover.
Step 1: Payload Delivery: The attacker crafts a malicious URL containing a specially crafted SQL injection payload within the subcatid parameter of a request to index.php. The payload is designed to manipulate the SQL query executed by the application.
Step 2: Request Processing: The web server receives the crafted request and passes it to the index.php script, which in turn calls post.php or includes it.
Step 3: Parameter Handling: The post.php script retrieves the value of the subcatid parameter from the request.
Step 4: Query Construction: The script constructs an SQL query that incorporates the value of subcatid without proper sanitization. This is where the vulnerability lies.
Step 5: Query Execution: The vulnerable SQL query, containing the attacker's payload, is executed by the database server.
Step 6: Payload Execution: The database server executes the injected SQL commands, potentially allowing the attacker to retrieve, modify, or delete data, or even execute commands on the server.
The vulnerability stems from a lack of proper input validation and sanitization of the subcatid parameter within the post.php script. Specifically, the application fails to adequately filter user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This allows an attacker to craft malicious SQL statements that are then executed by the database server. The root cause is the direct concatenation of user-controlled input into the SQL query string without any form of escaping or parameterized queries. This allows an attacker to manipulate the query's logic, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or even remote code execution if the database server is configured to allow it.
While no specific APT groups are definitively linked to the exploitation of this specific CVE, the ease of exploitation and the potential for significant impact make it attractive to a wide range of attackers, including script kiddies and financially motivated cybercriminals. This vulnerability is not listed on the CISA KEV at this time, but the potential for exploitation remains high.
Web application firewall (WAF) logs showing suspicious SQL injection attempts, such as the use of common SQL injection keywords (e.g., SELECT, UNION, OR, '1'='1) in the subcatid parameter.
Database server logs revealing unusual query patterns or unexpected data modifications.
Network traffic analysis identifying unusual HTTP requests to index.php with suspicious payloads in the subcatid parameter.
File integrity monitoring (FIM) to detect unauthorized changes to the post.php or related files.
SIEM alerts triggered by suspicious activity, such as multiple failed login attempts followed by SQL injection attempts.
Upgrade to a patched version of XZero Community Classifieds (if available).
Implement input validation and sanitization to filter all user-supplied input, especially the subcatid parameter. This includes escaping special characters and using parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection.
Use a web application firewall (WAF) to filter malicious requests and block SQL injection attempts.
Regularly scan the application for vulnerabilities using automated tools.
Implement the principle of least privilege for database users, restricting their access to only the necessary resources.
Monitor database server logs for suspicious activity and unusual query patterns.
Consider migrating to a modern, actively maintained content management system.