CVE-2001-0418 in Content Management System
Summary
by MITRE
content.pl script in NCM Content Management System allows remote attackers to read arbitrary contents of the content database by inserting SQL characters into the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2024
The CVE-2001-0418 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw in the content.pl script of the NCM Content Management System, a web-based content management solution that was prevalent in the early 2000s. This vulnerability resides in the application's input validation mechanisms and specifically targets the id parameter handling within the content.pl script. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious SQL characters directly into the id parameter, thereby bypassing normal authentication and authorization controls. The vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input before incorporating it into database queries, creating an exploitable condition that allows unauthorized data access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the classic SQL injection pattern where the content.pl script accepts user input through the id parameter without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. When an attacker submits malicious SQL characters such as single quotes, semicolons, or comment markers, these characters are directly embedded into the SQL query string without proper sanitization. This injection allows attackers to alter the intended query logic, potentially executing arbitrary database commands or extracting sensitive information from the content database. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the database interaction layer, where the application's security boundaries are compromised, and the attacker can effectively impersonate legitimate database users with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2001-0418 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete database compromise and potential system infiltration. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read arbitrary database contents, including user credentials, content management data, and potentially sensitive business information stored within the NCM system. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network presence, making the vulnerability particularly attractive for widespread exploitation. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection flaws as a fundamental weakness in application security, and maps to attack techniques in the ATT&CK framework under T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS and T1046 for Network Service Scanning, as attackers typically discover and exploit such vulnerabilities through network reconnaissance activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query mechanisms. The primary defense involves ensuring that all user-supplied input is properly sanitized before being incorporated into database queries, with the use of prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL code from data. Organizations should implement proper input validation routines that reject or escape special characters commonly used in SQL injection attacks. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting database user permissions to only those necessary for application functionality, preventing attackers from executing destructive commands even if they successfully exploit the vulnerability. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews to identify similar injection flaws in legacy applications. System administrators should also implement network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious SQL injection patterns and ensure that all web applications are regularly updated with security patches addressing known vulnerabilities.