CVE-2007-1816 in Tutoriais module
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in viewcat.php in the Tutoriais 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-2007-1816 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the tutoriais module of the Xoops content management system. This security weakness specifically affects the viewcat.php script which processes user input through the cid parameter, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized database operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the module's codebase, allowing attackers to manipulate the sql query execution flow through crafted malicious input.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits specially crafted data through the cid parameter in the viewcat.php script. Without proper sanitization or parameterized query construction, the application directly incorporates user-supplied input into sql statements, enabling attackers to inject malicious sql code. This flaw maps directly to CWE-89 which classifies sql injection as a common vulnerability where untrusted data is embedded into sql commands without proper escaping or validation. The attack vector is remote and does not require authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone who can access the vulnerable module.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands on the underlying database system. This capability enables comprehensive database compromise including data extraction, modification, or deletion of sensitive information. Attackers can potentially escalate privileges within the database, access administrative accounts, or even gain shell access to the underlying server depending on the database configuration and permissions. The vulnerability affects all versions of Xoops that include the affected tutoriais module, making it a widespread concern for organizations using this platform. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a sql injection technique under the T1071.004 sub-technique for application layer protocol and T1566 for credential access through injection attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1816 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries within the viewcat.php script to ensure that user-supplied data cannot influence sql command structure. Organizations should apply the official security patch provided by Xoops developers or upgrade to patched versions of the tutoriais module. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql injection patterns, restricting database user privileges to minimize potential damage from successful attacks, and conducting regular security audits of all application components. Input sanitization should follow established security practices including the use of prepared statements, proper escaping of special characters, and comprehensive validation of all user-supplied parameters. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar injection vulnerabilities across all application components.