CVE-2007-0676 in ExoPHPDesk
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in faq.php in ExoPHPDesk 1.2.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0676 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the ExoPHPDesk 1.2.1 software suite, specifically affecting the faq.php component. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the id parameter, creating an exploitable condition that enables remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's codebase, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands that bypass normal security controls and authentication checks. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including ExoPHPDesk 1.2.1, indicating a long-standing issue that persisted across multiple releases without proper remediation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input for the id parameter in the faq.php script, which is then directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper escaping or parameterization. This primitive form of input handling creates a direct path for attackers to manipulate database operations, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information, modifying database contents, or even executing administrative commands on the underlying database system. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a weakness that occurs when an application incorporates user input directly into SQL queries without proper sanitization. This weakness is classified as a high-severity issue within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, as it provides attackers with extensive control over database operations and can lead to complete system compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using ExoPHPDesk 1.2.1 or earlier versions, as it enables remote code execution capabilities and data breach scenarios. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract confidential information from the database, including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to establish persistent access points, escalate privileges, and potentially use the compromised system as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or knowledge of internal network structures to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible environments.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through patching or upgrading to versions of ExoPHPDesk that have addressed this issue. The recommended mitigation strategies include implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques, utilizing parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection, and conducting thorough security assessments of all web applications. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Security practitioners should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for database accounts, ensuring that web applications only have the minimum required permissions to function properly. This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1071.004 for application layer protocol and T1190 for exploit public-facing application, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls at multiple layers of the network infrastructure. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in application functionality while maintaining the security improvements necessary to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.