Source: cna@vuldb.com
A vulnerability was determined in code-projects Content Management System 1.0. This impacts an unknown function of the file search.php. This manipulation of the argument Value causes sql injection. The attack is possible to be carried out remotely. The exploit has been publicly disclosed and may be utilized.
Code-projects Content Management System 1.0 is vulnerable to a critical SQL injection flaw in the search.php file, allowing remote attackers to potentially compromise the database and gain unauthorized access. This vulnerability is publicly known and can be easily exploited, posing a significant risk to any systems running the affected CMS version.
Step 1: Identify the Target: The attacker identifies a Code-projects Content Management System 1.0 installation.
Step 2: Locate the Vulnerable File: The attacker identifies the search.php file, which is known to be vulnerable.
Step 3: Craft the Payload: The attacker constructs a malicious SQL injection payload designed to manipulate the database query. This payload is crafted to extract sensitive information, bypass authentication, or execute arbitrary commands.
Step 4: Payload Delivery: The attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to search.php, including the malicious SQL payload within the Value argument.
Step 5: Query Execution: The vulnerable search.php file receives the request and incorporates the attacker's payload directly into a SQL query without proper sanitization.
Step 6: Database Interaction: The database server executes the modified query, potentially revealing sensitive data or allowing the attacker to execute commands.
Step 7: Data Exfiltration/Exploitation: The attacker receives the results of the malicious query, which may include database credentials, user data, or other sensitive information. The attacker can then leverage this information for further exploitation.
The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data within the search.php file, specifically when handling the Value argument. The application directly incorporates user-provided input into a SQL query without proper escaping or filtering. This allows an attacker to inject malicious SQL code, altering the intended query logic. The root cause is a failure to implement parameterized queries or other secure coding practices to prevent SQL injection. The lack of input validation allows for the injection of malicious SQL code.
While specific APTs are not directly linked in the provided information, the nature of SQL injection makes it a common attack vector used by various threat actors. This vulnerability could be exploited by both opportunistic attackers and more sophisticated groups. CISA KEV status is likely to be high if this vulnerability is widely exploited.
Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS) should be configured to detect SQL injection attempts, looking for suspicious patterns in HTTP requests, such as single quotes, semicolons, and SQL keywords (e.g., SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE) within the Value parameter of requests to search.php.
Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) can be deployed to filter malicious requests before they reach the application server. WAFs should be configured with rules specifically designed to detect and block SQL injection attacks.
Review web server access logs for unusual activity, such as a high volume of requests to search.php or requests containing suspicious payloads. Look for error messages that may indicate SQL injection attempts.
Database activity monitoring can be used to monitor database queries for suspicious activity, such as queries that are unusually long or that contain SQL injection payloads.
Implement file integrity monitoring to detect any unauthorized changes to the search.php file.
Implement input validation and sanitization on all user-supplied data, especially the Value argument in search.php. This includes escaping special characters and using parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection.
Upgrade to a patched version of Code-projects Content Management System that addresses the vulnerability. If no patch is available, consider migrating to a more secure CMS.
Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter malicious requests.
Regularly scan the application for vulnerabilities using automated tools.
Apply the principle of least privilege to database users, granting only the necessary permissions.
Implement a robust logging and monitoring system to detect and respond to suspicious activity.