CVE-2002-2391 in Webchat
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php of WebChat 1.5 included in XOOPS 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the roomid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-2391 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the webchat component of XOOPS 1.0 platform. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php script which serves as the primary interface for the chat functionality. The flaw exists in how the application processes user input through the roomid parameter, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands without requiring authentication or privileged access to the system. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-89 sql injection as defined by the common weakness enumeration framework, which categorizes it as a fundamental flaw in input validation and query construction.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input for the roomid parameter that gets directly incorporated into sql queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. The webchat application fails to implement proper input validation mechanisms, allowing sql metacharacters and commands to be interpreted by the underlying database engine. This creates a pathway for attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive data from database tables, modify or delete records, and potentially gain deeper system access. The vulnerability is classified as remote because attackers can exploit it from outside the network perimeter, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity violations. Attackers could leverage this flaw to access user credentials, personal information, and other sensitive data stored within the XOOPS database. The vulnerability also enables privilege escalation attacks where malicious actors might gain administrative access to the webchat component and potentially the entire XOOPS installation. This represents a significant concern for organizations using outdated software versions, as the vulnerability existed in versions released in 2002 and was likely not properly patched in many deployments. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that the vulnerability affects the core XOOPS framework, potentially compromising multiple applications built on this platform.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-2391 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected XOOPS 1.0 installation to address the sql injection vulnerability in the webchat component. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other parts of their applications. The use of prepared statements and stored procedures in database interactions provides robust protection against sql injection attacks. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable components. Security monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect suspicious sql query patterns and unauthorized database access attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing comprehensive security testing practices, including regular vulnerability assessments and code reviews. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under the T1190 compromise of the web application as it represents a specific exploitation technique targeting web application vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts.