CVE-2007-1814 in Core module
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in viewcat.php in the Core module for Xoops allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cid parameter, a different vector than CVE-2007-0377.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1814 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Core module of Xoops content management system. This vulnerability specifically affects the viewcat.php script which handles category viewing functionality. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, particularly the cid parameter that is used to specify category identifiers. The vulnerability operates under CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection as a serious weakness in application security where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL command construction without proper escaping or parameterization mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers manipulate the cid parameter in the viewcat.php script to inject malicious SQL code. This injection allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information, modifying database content, or even escalating privileges within the application environment. Unlike CVE-2007-0377 which targeted a different attack vector, this vulnerability specifically leverages the category viewing functionality to establish the injection point, making it particularly dangerous as it operates within legitimate application pathways that typically receive user input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification. Attackers could potentially extract complete database schemas, access user credentials, manipulate content, or even establish persistent backdoors within the application environment. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local system access or authentication to leverage the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. The implications are severe for organizations using Xoops platforms, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to all data managed by the CMS.
Security mitigations for CVE-2007-1814 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase. The recommended approach involves using prepared statements with parameter binding to ensure that user input cannot be interpreted as SQL commands. Additionally, input sanitization measures including character filtering, length restrictions, and proper escaping of special SQL characters should be implemented at all entry points. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the use of SQL injection to gain access to databases, emphasizing the importance of defensive measures that prevent such injection attacks from succeeding. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security issues within the application architecture that require comprehensive remediation rather than isolated fixes.