CVE-2007-1791 in Picture-Engine
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in wall.php in Picture-Engine 1.2.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cat parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1791 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Picture-Engine content management system version 1.2.0 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects the wall.php script which processes user input through the cat parameter, creating an exploitable pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the application's data handling mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to inject sql payload strings that bypass normal security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a direct result of insufficient input validation and improper parameter handling. Attackers can manipulate the cat parameter to inject malicious sql code that gets executed within the database context, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no privileged access to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by anyone with access to the affected web application. This type of injection vulnerability typically occurs when user-supplied data is directly concatenated into sql queries without proper escaping or parameterization techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the database. Depending on the database configuration and the privileges assigned to the application's database user account, attackers might be able to extract all database contents, modify or delete records, or even escalate their privileges within the system. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire Picture-Engine installation, potentially exposing user credentials, configuration details, and other sensitive data. Additionally, the attack surface is broad as any user interaction with the wall.php script could serve as an entry point for exploitation, making this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking persistent access to the target environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1791 should focus on immediate remediation through input validation and parameterized query implementation. The most effective approach involves updating the Picture-Engine application to a patched version that properly sanitizes user input before processing. Organizations should implement proper sql parameterization techniques to ensure that user-supplied data cannot be interpreted as sql commands. Additionally, input validation should be enforced at multiple layers including application logic, web application firewalls, and database access controls. The principle of least privilege should be applied to database connections used by the application, limiting potential damage from successful exploitation. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application stack, while implementing proper logging and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and maintaining up-to-date security patches as outlined in industry standards such as those referenced in the mitre ATT&CK framework for application layer attacks.