What is CVE-2020-23064?
CVE-2020-23064 is a security vulnerability identified in the CMS Made Simple (CMSMS) web content management system. This vulnerability allows attackers to perform SQL injection attacks by exploiting improper input validation in the application. It affects CMS Made Simple versions prior to 2.2.14, potentially enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to the database, execute arbitrary SQL commands, and compromise the security of the affected web application.
CVSS Score and Severity
- CVSS Score: 8.8 (High)
- Severity: The CVSS score of 8.8 out of 10 indicates a high severity level, reflecting the significant risk posed by this vulnerability. The potential for SQL injection to lead to database compromise and unauthorized data access elevates the severity of this issue.
So what’s the problem?
The core problem with CVE-2020-23064 lies in its ability to allow SQL injection attacks. An attacker can manipulate input fields in CMS Made Simple to inject malicious SQL queries into the database. This could lead to unauthorized data access, data manipulation, or even full control over the database. Given the widespread use of CMS Made Simple for managing websites, this vulnerability poses a serious risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of web applications that have not been updated to a secure version.
Background and Context
Background on the vulnerability
CVE-2020-23064 was discovered in 2020 during a security review of CMS Made Simple. CMS Made Simple is a popular open-source content management system used by organizations to build and manage websites. The vulnerability is rooted in the improper validation of user input in certain application components. Specifically, the affected components fail to properly sanitize input data before using it in SQL queries, thereby allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary SQL commands.
Description of the Vulnerability (CVE-2020-23064)
The vulnerability occurs due to inadequate input validation in CMS Made Simple. When certain input fields are not properly sanitized, an attacker can craft input that includes SQL commands. These commands are then executed by the database, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data, data alteration, or complete database compromise. The vulnerability primarily affects versions of CMS Made Simple prior to 2.2.14.
Root Cause Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2020-23064 is the failure to properly validate and sanitize user input before it is incorporated into SQL queries. This type of vulnerability is commonly associated with SQL injection attacks, where unsanitized input is used to manipulate database queries. The lack of proper input validation and parameterized queries in the affected components of CMS Made Simple allowed this vulnerability to exist.
Impact and Exploitation
The impact of CVE-2020-23064
Exploiting CVE-2020-23064 can have several significant impacts:
- Unauthorized Data Access: Attackers can gain unauthorized access to the database, potentially exposing sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, or financial information.
- Data Manipulation: The ability to execute arbitrary SQL commands can lead to the alteration, deletion, or insertion of data within the database, compromising the integrity of the web application.
- Full Database Compromise: In some cases, an attacker could leverage this vulnerability to gain full control over the database, enabling further attacks against the web application or the underlying server.
Exploit
To exploit CVE-2020-23064, an attacker would need to identify an input field in CMS Made Simple that is vulnerable to SQL injection. The exploitation process involves:
- Identifying a target web application running a vulnerable version of CMS Made Simple.
- Crafting input that includes malicious SQL commands designed to be executed by the database.
- Submitting the crafted input through the vulnerable field, which leads to the execution of the malicious SQL commands and the potential compromise of the database.
In-the-Wild Attacks
While there have been limited reports of in-the-wild exploitation of CVE-2020-23064, the vulnerability’s nature makes it a prime target for attackers, especially in automated attacks where vulnerable websites are identified and exploited en masse. Websites running outdated versions of CMS Made Simple are particularly at risk.
Vulnerable code/package in the application
The vulnerable code is located within certain components of CMS Made Simple that fail to properly sanitize user input before using it in SQL queries. The affected versions are those prior to 2.2.14, where the vulnerability has been patched.
Statistics on vulnerability
As CMS Made Simple is a widely used content management system, the potential impact of CVE-2020-23064 is significant. While specific exploitation statistics are not widely available, the prevalence of SQL injection vulnerabilities in web applications underscores the importance of addressing this issue promptly.
Mitigation and Remediation
Mitigating CVE-2020-23064
Organizations and developers can mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2020-23064 by:
- Updating CMS Made Simple: The most effective mitigation is to update CMS Made Simple to version 2.2.14 or later, where this vulnerability has been patched.
- Implementing Input Validation: Ensure that all user input is properly validated and sanitized before being used in SQL queries. Implementing parameterized queries can also prevent SQL injection attacks.
- Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits of web applications to identify and remediate potential vulnerabilities, including SQL injection risks.
Patch and Bypass: Fixes Added for CVE-2020-23064
The patch for CVE-2020-23064 involves changes to how CMS Made Simple handles user input, ensuring that input data is properly sanitized before being incorporated into SQL queries. This patch effectively mitigates the risk of SQL injection attacks. Organizations should ensure that their CMS Made Simple installations are updated to the latest version to protect against this vulnerability.
Proactive response
A proactive security approach includes regularly updating web application software, implementing strong input validation practices, and conducting security testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Proof of Concept (POC)
A POC for CVE-2020-23064 could involve crafting an SQL injection payload in the URL parameters or form inputs of a vulnerable CMS Made Simple instance:
?id=1' OR '1'='1This payload attempts to bypass authentication by exploiting the SQL injection vulnerability, potentially granting unauthorized access to the CMS.
Real-world Impact and Response
Timeline/changelog
- August 2020: Discovery of CVE-2020-23064 during a security review of CMS Made Simple.
- September 2020: Public disclosure of the vulnerability and release of CMS Made Simple version 2.2.14 with the fix.
- October 2020: Continued advisories issued to web administrators to update their CMS installations and secure their applications against SQL injection attacks.
Observed Activity
Since its disclosure, there have been limited but notable instances of CVE-2020-23064 being exploited in the wild. Attackers have targeted outdated installations of CMS Made Simple to perform SQL injection attacks, leading to unauthorized access to databases and, in some cases, further exploitation of the compromised systems.
Mass Scanning
There have been no widespread reports of mass scanning specifically targeting CVE-2020-23064. However, automated tools that scan for common vulnerabilities, including SQL injection, could be used to identify and exploit vulnerable CMS Made Simple installations.
Vulnerable Server Discovery
Vulnerable CMS Made Simple installations can be discovered by attackers who scan for websites running outdated versions of the software. Websites that have not been updated to version 2.2.14 or later are at high risk of exploitation.
Reasoning and Scoring
Corporate networks impacted globally
CVE-2020-23064 has the potential to impact corporate networks globally, particularly in industries that rely heavily on web applications for their operations. The vulnerability can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, manipulate data, or compromise entire web applications.
Corporate numbers impacted by countries
- United States: Numerous organizations use CMS Made Simple for web content management, with many potentially at risk.
- Europe: Significant adoption of CMS Made Simple in the technology and small business sectors, leading to potential exposure.
- Asia: Extensive use of CMS Made Simple in various industries, particularly in countries with a strong web presence.
Conclusion
Who should be paying attention to this?
Web administrators, cybersecurity professionals, and organizations that rely on CMS Made Simple for managing their websites should prioritize attention to CVE-2020-23064. Ensuring that CMS installations are secure and up to date is critical for maintaining the integrity and security of web applications.
Who is exploiting it and how?
CVE-2020-23064 has been exploited by attackers looking to perform SQL injection attacks against vulnerable CMS Made Simple installations. Attackers typically use automated tools to identify websites running outdated versions of the CMS, injecting malicious SQL commands to gain unauthorized access to the database.
How are things likely to develop?
As more organizations update their CMS Made Simple installations, the risk of widespread exploitation decreases. However, websites that remain unpatched are still vulnerable to SQL injection attacks. Continued vigilance and adherence to security best practices, such as regular updates and input validation, are essential to prevent exploitation.
How long has it been around?
CVE-2020-23064 was discovered and disclosed in August 2020, but the underlying issue with improper input validation may have existed in CMS Made Simple for some time before its discovery. This highlights the importance of regularly reviewing and updating web applications to address potential security vulnerabilities.
