CVE-2007-0569 in xNews
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in xNews.php in xNews 1.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter in a shownews action.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0569 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the xnews 1.3 content management system specifically affecting the xnews.php script. This vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into sql query constructions, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to manipulate database operations through crafted input parameters. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the shownews action within the xnews.php file, which is likely a common function used to display news articles or content items. Attackers can exploit this by manipulating the id parameter to inject malicious sql code that bypasses normal authentication and authorization mechanisms, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive database information or executing arbitrary commands on the underlying database server. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 which defines sql injection as the insertion of malicious sql code into input fields for execution by the database, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the exploitation of sql injection vulnerabilities to access and manipulate database systems. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft as it can enable attackers to modify or delete database content, escalate privileges, or even establish persistent access through database backdoors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameter handling within the xnews application. When a user requests to view a specific news item through the shownews action, the application accepts an id parameter that should contain a numeric identifier for the news article. However, the application does not properly escape or validate this input before using it in sql queries, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql syntax that alters the intended query behavior. The vulnerability is particularly severe because it operates at the database layer where attackers can directly manipulate the sql execution context and potentially bypass application-level security controls. This flaw demonstrates poor secure coding practices and highlights the importance of implementing proper input sanitization and parameterized queries to prevent such injection attacks. The attack surface is relatively narrow since it specifically targets the id parameter in the shownews action, but the impact remains significant due to the potential for full database compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-0569 can be devastating for organizations using vulnerable xnews installations, as it provides attackers with direct access to sensitive information stored in the database. Successful exploitation could result in data breaches, unauthorized modification of news content, or complete database compromise depending on the privileges of the database user account. Attackers might extract user credentials, personal information, or other sensitive data stored within the application's database, potentially leading to further attacks on the broader network infrastructure. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access through database-level backdoors or by modifying application logic to maintain unauthorized presence. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage if such vulnerabilities are exploited successfully. The vulnerability's age and the fact that it affects a specific version of xnews (1.3) means that organizations running this software are particularly at risk and should prioritize immediate remediation efforts to prevent exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0569 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. The most effective immediate solution is to upgrade to a patched version of xnews that properly implements input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should also implement proper input sanitization techniques that validate and escape all user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries represents the industry standard approach to preventing sql injection vulnerabilities and should be adopted across all database interactions within the application. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block sql injection attempts, conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities, and maintain up-to-date vulnerability management processes. The ATT&CK framework recommends implementing defensive measures such as input validation, query parameterization, and database access controls to protect against sql injection attacks, while CWE guidelines emphasize the importance of proper input handling and output encoding to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited in the first place. Regular security training for developers and implementation of secure coding practices are essential to prevent similar issues from recurring in future application development efforts.