CVE-2024–48814 : When SQL Injection Strikes: A Critical Vulnerability in Silverpeas CMS

5 min readJan 7, 2025

Overview

We discovered a critical SQL injection vulnerability in Silverpeas CMS (version 6.4), now registered as CVE-2024–48814, that could allow attackers to access sensitive data and compromise the system’s integrity. This blog provides a comprehensive breakdown of our findings, explaining the issue in simple terms while offering enough technical detail to satisfy experts.

In the words of Tony Stark: “You can take away my suits, but I’m still Iron Man.” Similarly, even if a system seems strong on the outside, vulnerabilities like these can weaken its core unless addressed promptly.

What Is SQL Injection?

SQL injection occurs when an attacker tricks a database into executing unintended commands by manipulating user inputs. It’s like giving a guest a menu to order from but instead, they sneak in instructions for the kitchen to destroy the restaurant.

If the application doesn’t validate or properly handle user inputs, attackers can exploit this weakness to:

Access sensitive information like usernames, passwords, and emails.
Modify or delete data.
Cause denial of service or gain complete control over the database.

Think of it as Ultron exploiting Stark’s overconfidence to create chaos. SQL injection can cause similar havoc if not mitigated.

Step-by-Step Analysis

Leveraging Fusion Lite Analyzer

To identify and dissect this critical flaw, we relied on the exceptional capabilities of Fusion Lite Analyzer, developed by IAPPSECURE. This tool’s advanced code review and runtime analysis facilities allowed us to uncover vulnerabilities with precision and depth. Its ability to seamlessly blend static , dynamic and runtime analysis made it an indispensable ally in our research.

1. Identifying the Vulnerable Version

Our analysis confirmed that Silverpeas CMS version 6.4 was vulnerable to SQL injection attacks.

2. Observing Application Behavior

Using the SilverAdmin account, we navigated to the Taxonomy module under “Back office > Taxonomy > Axis > Primary Topics View.” This step provided insights into the application’s workflows and potential weak spots.

3. Investigating the “ViewType” Parameter

Requests involving the “ViewType” parameter revealed an issue: its values directly influenced database queries without proper validation. This presented an opportunity for injection.

4. Analyzing Input Handling

A deeper dive into the application’s processing of the “ViewType” parameter uncovered insufficient safeguards against malicious input, making it a prime target for attackers.

5. Breaking Down SQL Queries

Using runtime analysis and instrumentation tool, we closely inspected the application’s SQL queries. This allowed us to confirm that user-supplied inputs were directly used to construct WHERE clauses without proper sanitization, creating multiple opportunities for exploitation.

6. Spotting a Vulnerable Function

We identified the findByWhereClause function as a critical weak link. This function directly incorporated untrusted inputs into SQL statements, bypassing key security practices.

7. Evaluating Existing Safeguards

The CheckValueForInjection function, designed to detect SQL and XSS injection attempts, proved inadequate. It was unable to prevent advanced injection techniques.

8. Reviewing Code for Patterns

Examining the codebase revealed several attempts to implement security patterns against SQL injection.

However, the art of deduction began as we analyzed how these patterns were bypassed by crafted payloads, highlighting the gaps in their implementation.

9. Time-Based Attack Verification

To confirm the vulnerability, we injected a time-based payload into the “ViewType” parameter:

P'%3bSelect+PG_SLEEP(10)--

And the wait began…

The delayed response confirmed the application’s susceptibility to time-based SQL injection.

The delayed response confirmed the application’s susceptibility to time-based SQL injection.

10. Advanced Database Exploitation

It’s time to dig deep now.

By employing a union-based injection payload, we successfully extracted sensitive database information, including:

Usernames
Hashed passwords
Email addresses

Payload Example:

PP%27++UNION+SELECT+NULL::integer,NULL::character(1),NULL::character+varying(10),NULL::character+varying(255),(select+database_to_xml(true,true,%27%27)::character+varying+as+xml_representation),NULL::character(2),NULL::character+varying(255),9,9--+Test

Risks and Impact

The SQL injection vulnerability in Silverpeas CMS 6.4 poses significant risks:

Data Breaches: Attackers can steal sensitive information.
Financial Loss: Unauthorized transactions or misuse of critical data.
System Downtime: Malicious payloads can crash the database or disrupt operations.
Reputational Damage: A data breach can erode user trust and attract regulatory penalties.

As Tony Stark said in Iron Man: “Sometimes you’ve got to run before you can walk.” Rushing insecure practices can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Recommendations

1. Use Parameterized Queries

Avoid constructing SQL queries using user inputs directly. Instead, use parameterized or prepared statements:

SELECT * FROM taxonomy WHERE view_type = ?;

This ensures inputs are treated as data, not executable commands.

2. Input Validation

Implement strict input validation rules to reject unexpected or malicious inputs. Use libraries or frameworks with built-in sanitization mechanisms.

3. Regular Security Audits

Conduct periodic code reviews and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities before attackers do.

4. Update to a Secure Version

Contact Silverpeas CMS support for an updated version with patched vulnerabilities.

Special Thanks

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Priyakant Chavda for his invaluable support and collaboration during this research. His insights and expertise played a crucial role in uncovering and understanding this vulnerability.

Conclusion

This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments. By addressing these issues, organizations can significantly reduce their risk exposure and safeguard critical systems.

In the MCU, heroes often succeed because they confront threats with innovation and vigilance. Developers must channel their inner Tony Stark — proactive, inventive, and uncompromising in securing their creations from vulnerabilities like this SQL injection.