1. Introduction
The CMS Made Simple modules/TinyMCE/content_css.php templateid parameter is vulnerable to a SQL injection attack. This means an attacker could potentially manipulate database queries, leading to sensitive information disclosure, data modification, or attacks against the underlying database. Systems running affected versions of CMS Made Simple are at risk. A successful exploit could compromise confidentiality, integrity and availability of the system.
2. Technical Explanation
- Root cause: Missing input validation on the ‘templateid’ parameter within the ‘modules/TinyMCE/content_css.php’ script.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker can send a crafted HTTP request with a malicious payload in the ‘templateid’ parameter, which is then included in an unsanitized database query. For example, adding `’ OR ‘1’=’1` to the templateid could bypass authentication or retrieve all data from a table.
- Scope: CMS Made Simple content management system.
3. Detection and Assessment
To confirm vulnerability, check the installed version of CMS Made Simple and verify that input sanitization is not implemented for the ‘templateid’ parameter.
- Quick checks: Access the CMS Made Simple admin interface and navigate to System Information -> PHP Info to determine the CMS Made Simple version.
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 30495 can detect this vulnerability, but results should be verified manually.
- Logs and evidence: Examine web server access logs for requests targeting ‘modules/TinyMCE/content_css.php’ with suspicious characters in the ‘templateid’ parameter.
# No specific command available to directly detect this vulnerability, version check is recommended.4. Solution / Remediation Steps
Currently there is no known solution at this time.
4.1 Preparation
- Consider a maintenance window to minimize disruption during testing. A roll back plan involves restoring from backup if issues occur.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Monitor for official patches or updates from the CMS Made Simple project.
- Step 2: Once a patch is available, download and install it according to the vendor’s instructions.
4.3 Config or Code Example
No config or code example can be provided as there is no known solution at this time.
4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Input validation and secure coding practices are relevant to preventing this vulnerability type.
- Practice 1: Implement strict input validation on all user-supplied data, especially parameters used in database queries.
- Practice 2: Use parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
No automation is possible at this time as there is no known solution.
5. Verification / Validation
- Re-test: Re-run the earlier detection methods (e.g., scanning) and confirm that the vulnerability is no longer reported.
- Smoke test: Verify core CMS Made Simple functionality, such as creating and editing content, to ensure the patch did not introduce any regressions.
# No specific command available for post-fix check, manual testing with a malicious payload is recommended.6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Regular security baselines and vulnerability scanning can help prevent this issue.
- Baselines: Update your security baseline to include the latest CMS Made Simple version and any associated security recommendations.
- Pipelines: Incorporate Static Application Security Testing (SAST) into your development pipeline to identify potential SQL injection vulnerabilities early in the process.
- Asset and patch process: Implement a regular patch management cycle for all software, including CMS Made Simple.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
Applying patches can sometimes introduce compatibility issues or service disruptions.
- Risk or side effect 1: Patching may cause temporary downtime during installation and testing.
8. References and Resources
The following resources provide information about this vulnerability.
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: https://www.cmsmadesimple.org/security/
- NVD or CVE entry: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2007-6656