External risk intelligence

CuppaCMS SQL Injection Vulnerability

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.8)

CVE-2022-27984

CuppaCMS is a web-based content management system. As a web application, it is commonly deployed as an internet-facing service, and the vulnerable component is part of the administrative interface, which is frequently exposed or reachable in web-accessible deployments.

SQL Injection

Cuppacms

1.0

Halo Surface Signal: 4 out of 5 — likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

This advisory details a critical SQL injection vulnerability in CuppaCMS version 1.0, a content management system. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to remotely execute commands by manipulating a specific parameter in the administrative interface, potentially leading to unauthorized access and modification of sensitive data. The main concern is confirming relevance and exposure for any systems utilizing this software.

Unauthenticated remote command execution vulnerability.
Critical flaw in a web content management system.
Confirm relevance and exposure to affected systems.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted request to the vulnerable web application. The vulnerability exists in the administrative section of CuppaCMS, specifically within the `right.php` file, which is accessible via a network connection without requiring any user authentication. If exploited, this could allow an attacker to manipulate the database.

Accessible via network.
Triggered by specially crafted request.
Leads to database manipulation.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A SQL injection vulnerability in the menu_filter parameter of CuppaCMS could allow an unauthenticated attacker to interfere with database queries. This could potentially lead to unauthorized access or modification of the underlying database when accessed over a network.

Database integrity and confidentiality.
Unauthenticated network access.
Unauthorized data manipulation or disclosure.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

The CuppaCMS Content Management System, specifically version 1.0, contains a critical SQL injection vulnerability that requires immediate attention. Given its nature as a web-based CMS often deployed externally, infrastructure or platform teams are likely responsible for the underlying server and application hosting. The first practical step is to identify all instances of CuppaCMS, confirm their exposure and business criticality, and then engage the application owner to plan remediation.

Identify and confirm application ownership.
Verify external reachability and business criticality.
Plan remediation with the application owner.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

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Frequently asked questions

What is CuppaCMS?

CuppaCMS is a content management system used to build and organize websites. It acts as the underlying engine for managing digital content and is typically deployed as a web application on a server, allowing users to create pages and manage site data through a browser-based administrative interface.

What does SQL injection mean for CVE-2022-27984?

This CVE involves a weakness classified as CWE-89, or SQL injection. It means the software does not properly filter user input before using it in database commands. Because of this, an attacker can supply malicious instructions instead of expected data, tricking the application into revealing sensitive information or modifying the database content without permission.

How is this vulnerability triggered?

An attacker triggers the vulnerability by sending a specifically formatted web request to the 'menu_filter' parameter located in the administrative file 'right.php'. The bug does not require any prior user authentication, meaning it can be triggered by someone who does not have legitimate access to the site's admin panel.

Do I need to worry if my CuppaCMS instance is internal?

Halo Surface Signal notes that while CuppaCMS is often deployed as an internet-facing service, any network-reachable instance is potentially at risk. Even if your installation is not directly on the public internet, any internal user or compromised machine on the same network could potentially reach the administrative interface and trigger the flaw.

What should I do first if I run CuppaCMS?

Your first step is to locate and inventory all running instances of CuppaCMS version 1.0 within your environment. Once identified, evaluate which sites are accessible from the network and determine their importance to your business operations. Finally, coordinate with the specific application owners to prepare for necessary security updates or configuration changes to mitigate the risk.

References

github.com/CuppaCMS/CuppaCMS/issues/30

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.