CVE-2007-1815 in Library module
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in viewcat.php in the Library module for Xoops allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1815 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Library module of Xoops content management system. This security weakness resides in the viewcat.php script which processes user input through the cid parameter without adequate sanitization or validation. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands directly into the application's database layer, potentially compromising the entire system infrastructure. Such vulnerabilities fall under the CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses SQL injection attacks where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization techniques.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application accepts user-provided cid parameter values and directly incorporates them into SQL query construction without proper input filtering mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious SQL payloads that manipulate the intended database operations, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the absence of proper parameterized queries or stored procedures that would normally protect against such injection attacks. This weakness operates at the application layer and can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to escalate privileges within the application environment. Remote code execution capabilities may be achieved through database-level commands, potentially enabling attackers to gain shell access or manipulate the underlying operating system. The affected Xoops Library module could see its entire database compromised, leading to unauthorized access to user credentials, sensitive information, and potentially full system control. Organizations relying on vulnerable Xoops installations face significant risks including data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations that could result in substantial financial and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1815 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query construction throughout the application codebase. System administrators should apply the latest security patches provided by Xoops developers and implement proper input sanitization routines that validate and escape all user-provided parameters before database interaction. Database access controls should be reviewed to limit the privileges of application database accounts, ensuring that even if injection occurs, the attacker's capabilities remain restricted. Network-based protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. Additionally, implementing proper error handling that prevents database error messages from being exposed to end users eliminates information leakage that could aid attackers in crafting more sophisticated attacks. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components and ensure compliance with secure coding practices as defined by industry standards including OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.