CVE-2022-28032
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2022-28032 is a critical SQL injection vulnerability in AtomCMS 2.0 that allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the Atom.CMS_admin_ajax_pages.php endpoint. This affects all AtomCMS 2.0 installations, potentially compromising the entire database and application. Attackers can steal, modify, or delete sensitive data including user credentials and content.
💻 Affected Systems
- AtomCMS
📦 What is this software?
Atomcms by Thedigitalcraft
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete database compromise leading to data theft, data destruction, and potential remote code execution via database functions.
Likely Case
Unauthorized data access, credential theft, and privilege escalation leading to full administrative control.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper input validation and database permissions, but still significant risk.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authentication but is straightforward once authenticated. Public proof-of-concept exists in GitHub issues.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.0.1 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/thedigicraft/Atom.CMS/issues/263
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Backup your database and files. 2. Download AtomCMS 2.0.1 or later from official repository. 3. Replace vulnerable files with patched versions. 4. Verify the fix by testing the vulnerable endpoint.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation Filter
allAdd parameterized queries and input validation to Atom.CMS_admin_ajax_pages.php
Edit Atom.CMS_admin_ajax_pages.php to use prepared statements with PDO or mysqli
Access Restriction
allRestrict access to the vulnerable endpoint via web server configuration
Add 'Deny from all' to .htaccess for Atom.CMS_admin_ajax_pages.php or equivalent in nginx
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block SQL injection patterns targeting the vulnerable endpoint
- Restrict database user permissions to minimum required, removing DROP, CREATE, and EXECUTE privileges
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Test the Atom.CMS_admin_ajax_pages.php endpoint with SQL injection payloads or check if running AtomCMS 2.0Check Version:
Check AtomCMS version in admin panel or examine version.php fileVerify Fix Applied:
Verify AtomCMS version is 2.0.1 or later and test the vulnerable endpoint with SQL injection payloads📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SQL queries in database logs
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by admin panel access
- Suspicious POST requests to Atom.CMS_admin_ajax_pages.php
Network Indicators:
- SQL injection patterns in HTTP requests
- Unusual database connections from web server
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (uri="*Atom.CMS_admin_ajax_pages.php*" AND (payload="*UNION*" OR payload="*SELECT*" OR payload="*INSERT*" OR payload="*DELETE*"))