CVE-2017-5344 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability was found in dotCMS up to version 3.6.1 that allows for blind boolean SQL injection techniques through the /categoriesServlet path.

Understanding CVE-2017-5344

This CVE highlights a security issue in dotCMS versions up to 3.6.1 that can be exploited for SQL injection attacks.

What is CVE-2017-5344?

The vulnerability in dotCMS up to version 3.6.1 allows attackers to perform blind boolean SQL injection techniques through the /categoriesServlet path.

The Impact of CVE-2017-5344

The vulnerability enables remote and unauthenticated access to the /categoriesServlet path, potentially leading to SQL injection attacks.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-5344

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The findChildrenByFilter() function in dotCMS, used in the /categoriesServlet path, allows for SQL injection due to inadequate input validation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: dotCMS
Versions affected: Up to 3.6.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the q and inode parameters in the /categoriesServlet path to execute blind boolean SQL injection techniques.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-5344 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by dotCMS promptly.
Restrict access to the /categoriesServlet path.
Monitor and analyze incoming requests for suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection.
Regularly update and patch dotCMS installations.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the dotCMS installation is updated to a version where the vulnerability is patched.