CVE-2020-22210
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2020-22210 is a critical SQL injection vulnerability in 74cms version 3.2.0 that allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the x parameter in ajax_officebuilding.php. This affects all organizations running the vulnerable version of 74cms, a Chinese job board/career management system. Attackers can potentially access, modify, or delete database content without authentication.
💻 Affected Systems
- 74cms
📦 What is this software?
74cms by 74cms
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete database compromise leading to data theft, data destruction, or full system takeover via SQL injection to RCE chaining.
Likely Case
Unauthorized database access allowing extraction of sensitive user data, job postings, and administrative credentials.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper input validation, parameterized queries, and WAF protection blocking malicious SQL payloads.
🎯 Exploit Status
The exploit requires minimal technical skill as it involves simple SQL injection payloads. Public proof-of-concept demonstrates exploitation via crafted HTTP requests.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Versions after 3.2.0
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/blindkey/cve_like/issues/11
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Upgrade 74cms to the latest version. 2. If upgrade is not possible, manually patch ajax_officebuilding.php to implement proper input validation and parameterized queries. 3. Apply vendor security updates if available.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
WAF Rule Implementation
allDeploy web application firewall rules to block SQL injection attempts targeting the x parameter.
# Example ModSecurity rule: SecRule ARGS:x "@detectSQLi" "id:1001,phase:2,deny,status:403,msg:'SQLi attempt detected'"
Input Validation Filter
allImplement server-side input validation to sanitize the x parameter before processing.
# PHP example: $x = filter_var($_GET['x'], FILTER_SANITIZE_STRING);
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Block external access to ajax_officebuilding.php via firewall rules or web server configuration.
- Implement strict input validation and use parameterized queries in the vulnerable file as a temporary mitigation.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Test by sending a crafted request to /ajax_officebuilding.php?x=1' AND '1'='1 and observing database errors or unexpected behavior.Check Version:
Check 74cms version in admin panel or review source code for version markers.Verify Fix Applied:
After patching, attempt the same SQL injection test and verify proper error handling or rejection of malicious input.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests to ajax_officebuilding.php with SQL keywords in x parameter
- Database error logs containing SQL syntax errors from the vulnerable endpoint
Network Indicators:
- Unusual SQL patterns in HTTP GET parameters
- Multiple rapid requests to the vulnerable endpoint with different payloads
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND url="*ajax_officebuilding.php*" AND (param="*x=*'*" OR param="*x=*%27*")