CVE-2023-39650: Theme Volty CMS Blog SQLi Vulnerability

CVE-2023-39650 Overview

CVE-2023-39650 is a SQL Injection vulnerability affecting Theme Volty CMS Blog, a module for PrestaShop e-commerce platforms. The vulnerability exists in versions up to v4.0.1 and allows attackers to inject malicious SQL commands through the id parameter at the /tvcmsblog/single endpoint. This flaw enables unauthenticated remote attackers to interact directly with the underlying database, potentially leading to complete database compromise.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this SQL injection vulnerability to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or potentially achieve remote code execution on affected PrestaShop installations running vulnerable versions of Theme Volty CMS Blog.

Affected Products

• Theme Volty CMS Blog versions up to and including v4.0.1
• PrestaShop installations using the tvcmsblog module
• Themevolty theme_volty_cms_blog component

Discovery Timeline

• 2023-08-24 - Security advisory published by Friends of Presta
• 2023-08-28 - CVE-2023-39650 published to NVD
• 2024-11-21 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2023-39650

Vulnerability Analysis

This SQL Injection vulnerability (CWE-89) stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands. The vulnerable endpoint /tvcmsblog/single accepts an id parameter that is directly incorporated into database queries without adequate sanitization or parameterization. This classic injection pattern allows attackers to manipulate query logic by injecting SQL syntax through the parameter value.

The vulnerability is particularly severe because it requires no authentication to exploit. An attacker can craft malicious HTTP requests containing SQL payloads in the id parameter, which are then executed against the database with the privileges of the application's database user. Given the network-accessible nature of PrestaShop storefronts, this vulnerability exposes affected installations to remote exploitation.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2023-39650 is the failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. The id parameter in the /tvcmsblog/single endpoint is concatenated directly into SQL statements rather than being handled through parameterized queries or prepared statements. This violates fundamental secure coding practices for database interactions and allows attackers to break out of the intended query context.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based and requires no user interaction or authentication. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted HTTP requests to the vulnerable endpoint. The attack flow typically involves:

The attacker identifies a PrestaShop installation running the vulnerable Theme Volty CMS Blog module. They then craft requests to the /tvcmsblog/single endpoint with SQL injection payloads in the id parameter. Common exploitation techniques include UNION-based injection for data extraction, blind SQL injection for inferring data through true/false responses, and time-based injection for extracting data when error messages are suppressed. Successful exploitation can result in extraction of customer data, administrative credentials, payment information, and other sensitive data stored in the PrestaShop database.

Detection Methods for CVE-2023-39650

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests to /tvcmsblog/single containing SQL keywords such as UNION, SELECT, DROP, or comment characters like -- and /*
• Database error messages appearing in application logs or responses indicating SQL syntax errors
• Unexpected database queries or slow query logs showing injection attempts
• Evidence of bulk data extraction or unauthorized database access in audit logs

Detection Strategies

• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block common SQL injection patterns targeting the /tvcmsblog/single endpoint
• Monitor HTTP access logs for requests containing encoded SQL injection characters such as %27, %22, %3B, and %2D%2D
• Enable database query logging to identify anomalous queries originating from the tvcmsblog module
• Deploy intrusion detection signatures for SQL injection attacks against PrestaShop installations

Monitoring Recommendations

• Configure alerting for any requests to /tvcmsblog/single containing suspicious characters or SQL keywords
• Implement rate limiting on the vulnerable endpoint to slow down automated exploitation attempts
• Monitor for data exfiltration patterns such as large response sizes from the blog endpoint
• Review database user privileges to ensure the PrestaShop database account has minimal necessary permissions

How to Mitigate CVE-2023-39650

Immediate Actions Required

• Update Theme Volty CMS Blog to a patched version that addresses the SQL injection vulnerability
• If an update is not immediately available, disable or remove the tvcmsblog module until patched
• Review database logs for evidence of prior exploitation and potential data compromise
• Implement WAF rules to block SQL injection attempts targeting the /tvcmsblog/single endpoint

Patch Information

Review the security advisory from Friends of Presta for detailed remediation guidance. Contact Themevolty directly to obtain the latest patched version of the Theme Volty CMS Blog module. Ensure all PrestaShop modules are kept up to date with the latest security patches.

Workarounds

• Temporarily disable the Theme Volty CMS Blog module by navigating to PrestaShop admin panel → Modules → Module Manager and disabling tvcmsblog
• Implement a WAF rule or .htaccess directive to block access to /tvcmsblog/single endpoint until patching is complete
• Apply input validation at the web server level to reject requests containing SQL injection characters in the id parameter
• Restrict database user privileges for the PrestaShop installation to limit the impact of potential SQL injection attacks

# Apache .htaccess workaround to block vulnerable endpoint
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
    RewriteEngine On
    # Block access to vulnerable tvcmsblog endpoint
    RewriteRule ^.*tvcmsblog/single.*$ - [F,L]
</IfModule>