CVE-2007-1979 in Xoops Popnupblog
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in the PopnupBlog 2.52 and earlier module for Xoops allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the postid parameter, possibly involving the get_blogid_from_postid function in class/PopnupBlogUtils.php. NOTE: later versions such as 3.03 and 3.05 might also be affected.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1979 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the PopnupBlog module for Xoops content management system. This vulnerability exists in versions 2.52 and earlier, specifically targeting the index.php script where user input is improperly handled. The flaw manifests through the postid parameter which is processed through the get_blogid_from_postid function located in the class/PopnupBlogUtils.php file. This function fails to adequately sanitize or validate user-supplied input, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands directly into the database layer.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows established patterns of sql injection attacks where user-controllable parameters are concatenated directly into sql query strings without proper input validation or parameterization. When an attacker submits a malicious postid value containing sql payload characters, the vulnerable code executes these commands within the context of the database connection, potentially allowing full database access, data manipulation, or even system compromise. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws in software applications. This weakness enables attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive information, modify or delete database records, and potentially escalate privileges within the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to gain unauthorized access to the entire database infrastructure supporting the PopnupBlog module. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability without requiring legitimate credentials, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that rely on user-generated content or blog functionality. The attack surface is widened by the fact that this vulnerability affects not just the 2.52 version but potentially also versions 3.03 and 3.05, indicating a persistent flaw in the codebase that was not properly addressed through subsequent releases. This suggests that the underlying architectural issue remains unresolved, leaving multiple versions of the software exposed to similar exploitation patterns.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the affected codebase. The get_blogid_from_postid function must be redesigned to use prepared statements or proper sql escaping mechanisms before incorporating user input into database queries. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and input sanitization at the application level can prevent malicious payloads from being processed. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for sql injection attempts. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities and T1078 for valid accounts usage, as attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent access to database resources. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar patterns in other modules, as this represents a common weakness in legacy web applications that may contain additional unpatched vulnerabilities.