CVE-2020-22208
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the x parameter in plus/ajax_street.php in 74cms version 3.2.0. It affects all systems running this vulnerable version of the 74cms content management system. Successful exploitation could lead to data theft, modification, or deletion.
💻 Affected Systems
- 74cms
📦 What is this software?
74cms by 74cms
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete database compromise allowing data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and potential remote code execution through database functions.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to sensitive data including user credentials, personal information, and system configuration.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper input validation and parameterized queries preventing SQL injection.
🎯 Exploit Status
The exploit requires minimal technical skill as it's a straightforward SQL injection via URL parameter.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 3.2.1 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/74cms/74cms/releases
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Backup your database and application files. 2. Download the latest version from the official repository. 3. Replace the vulnerable plus/ajax_street.php file with the patched version. 4. Verify the fix by testing the vulnerable endpoint.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation Filter
allAdd input validation to sanitize the x parameter before processing.
Modify plus/ajax_street.php to include: $x = mysqli_real_escape_string($connection, $_GET['x']);
WAF Rule
allImplement web application firewall rules to block SQL injection patterns.
Add WAF rule: deny requests containing SQL keywords in the x parameter
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict input validation and parameterized queries for all database operations.
- Restrict access to the vulnerable endpoint using IP whitelisting or authentication requirements.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Test the endpoint with a SQL injection payload: /plus/ajax_street.php?x=1' OR '1'='1Check Version:
Check the version in the admin panel or review the CHANGELOG.txt file.Verify Fix Applied:
Test the same payload after patching - it should return an error or no data instead of executing SQL.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SQL errors in application logs
- Multiple requests to plus/ajax_street.php with SQL-like parameters
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing SQL keywords in the x parameter
- Unusual database query patterns from the web server
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND uri="/plus/ajax_street.php" AND (query="*SELECT*" OR query="*UNION*" OR query="*OR*1*1*")