CVE-2022-21644 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

USOC is an open-source CMS with a focus on simplicity. In affected versions, USOC allows for SQL injection via usersearch.php, where search terms provided by the user were not sanitized. The only users permitted to search are site admins. Users are advised to upgrade as soon as possible to address this critical vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2022-21644

This CVE details a SQL injection vulnerability in USOC, impacting the security of the platform.

What is CVE-2022-21644?

CVE-2022-21644 highlights a critical SQL injection vulnerability in USOC, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data via the usersearch.php feature.

The Impact of CVE-2022-21644

The vulnerability's impact is rated as critical, with high confidentiality and integrity impacts as well as high availability impact. The base CVSS score is 9.1.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-21644

This section dives into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in USOC arises from allowing SQL injection via usersearch.php, where unsanitized search terms are directly used to construct SQL statements.

Affected Systems and Versions

USOC versions prior to < Pb2.4Bfx2 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious actors can exploit this vulnerability by crafting SQL injection queries in the search terms, leading to unauthorized data access.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate action to secure systems against this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are strongly advised to upgrade USOC to a secure version that addresses the SQL injection issue.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement input sanitation mechanisms to prevent SQL injection attacks in the future. Regular security audits can also help in identifying and addressing vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay vigilant for any security patches released by USOC and apply them promptly to protect systems from exploitation.