CVE-2021-32441
📋 TL;DR
This SQL injection vulnerability in Exponent-CMS v2.6.0 allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the selectValue function in the expConfig class. Attackers can potentially access, modify, or delete sensitive database information. All users running Exponent-CMS v2.6.0 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Exponent-CMS
📦 What is this software?
Exponent Cms by Exponentcms
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete database compromise including data exfiltration, modification, or deletion; potential privilege escalation to administrative access; possible remote code execution if database functions allow it.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to sensitive information stored in the database such as user credentials, personal data, or configuration secrets.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper input validation and parameterized queries preventing SQL injection; database permissions limiting damage scope.
🎯 Exploit Status
Public proof-of-concept demonstrates exploitation; SQL injection vulnerabilities are commonly weaponized in automated attacks.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: v2.7.0
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/exponentcms/exponent-cms/issues/1542
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Backup your database and files. 2. Download Exponent-CMS v2.7.0 or later. 3. Replace all files with the new version. 4. Run any database update scripts if provided. 5. Verify functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation Filter
allImplement strict input validation for all parameters passed to the selectValue function
WAF Rule
allDeploy web application firewall rules to block SQL injection patterns
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement network segmentation to isolate the vulnerable system
- Deploy database monitoring to detect SQL injection attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Exponent-CMS version in admin panel or by examining the version.php fileCheck Version:
grep -r "EXPONENT_VERSION" /path/to/exponent-cms/ or check admin dashboardVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm version is 2.7.0 or higher and test selectValue function with malicious inputs📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SQL error messages in application logs
- Multiple failed SQL queries from single IP
- Suspicious parameter values in HTTP requests
Network Indicators:
- SQL keywords in HTTP parameters (SELECT, UNION, etc.)
- Unusual database connection patterns
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND ("selectValue" OR "expConfig") AND (sql OR union OR select)