Source: cve@mitre.org
SQL injection vulnerability in Zenphoto before 1.4.9 allow remote administrators to execute arbitrary SQL commands.
Zenphoto versions prior to 1.4.9 are vulnerable to a critical SQL injection flaw, allowing remote administrators to execute arbitrary SQL commands and potentially compromise the entire system. This vulnerability enables attackers to gain unauthorized access, steal sensitive data, and potentially achieve remote code execution on the server.
Step 1: Identify Target: The attacker identifies a Zenphoto installation running a vulnerable version (prior to 1.4.9). This can be achieved through banner grabbing, version scanning, or public vulnerability databases.
Step 2: Craft Malicious Payload: The attacker crafts a malicious SQL injection payload. This payload is designed to exploit the vulnerability and execute arbitrary SQL commands. The payload is crafted based on the specific database system used by the Zenphoto installation (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL).
Step 3: Payload Delivery: The attacker submits the crafted payload through a vulnerable input field, typically within an administrative function or form. This could be a parameter in a URL, a POST request body, or a cookie value.
Step 4: Query Execution: The Zenphoto application, due to the lack of proper input validation, incorporates the attacker's payload directly into an SQL query. The database server then executes the malicious SQL command.
Step 5: Command Execution/Data Exfiltration: Depending on the payload, the attacker can execute arbitrary SQL commands. This could include reading sensitive data (e.g., usernames, passwords, database contents), modifying data, or potentially gaining remote code execution (e.g., by writing a web shell to the server).
The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data within the Zenphoto application. Specifically, the code fails to properly sanitize input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This allows an attacker to inject malicious SQL code through crafted input parameters, such as those used in administrative functions. The lack of proper input validation allows for the manipulation of SQL queries, leading to unauthorized access, data exfiltration, and potentially remote code execution. The root cause is a missing or inadequate implementation of parameterized queries or prepared statements, which would have prevented the injection of malicious SQL code. The specific function or logic flaw is likely related to how user-provided data is handled when constructing SQL queries, such as in the handling of user input in administrative functions.
While no specific APT groups are definitively linked to this CVE, it is likely exploited by various threat actors, including those seeking to compromise web servers for data theft, defacement, or use in botnets. The age of the vulnerability suggests it is likely used by opportunistic attackers. CISA KEV status: Not listed.
Web application firewall (WAF) logs showing suspicious SQL injection attempts, such as unusual characters or patterns in HTTP requests.
Database server logs revealing unusual SQL queries or activity from the web server.
Network traffic analysis looking for unusual HTTP requests containing SQL injection payloads.
File integrity monitoring to detect changes to web server files, which could indicate a successful exploit.
Intrusion Detection System (IDS) rules specifically designed to detect SQL injection attempts.
Reviewing web server access logs for suspicious activity, such as unusual URL parameters or POST data.
Upgrade to Zenphoto version 1.4.9 or later. This is the primary and most effective remediation.
Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter malicious requests.
Implement parameterized queries or prepared statements in all database interactions to prevent SQL injection.
Thoroughly validate and sanitize all user-supplied input before using it in SQL queries.
Regularly scan the web application for vulnerabilities using automated tools.
Enforce the principle of least privilege for database users.
Monitor web server and database logs for suspicious activity.
Implement a strong password policy and enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for administrative accounts.