CVE-2007-2543 in Flashgames Module
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in game.php in the Flashgames 1.0.1 module for XOOPS allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the lid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2543 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Flashgames 1.0.1 module for the XOOPS content management system. This vulnerability specifically affects the game.php script where user input is improperly handled, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute unauthorized database operations. The issue manifests through the lid parameter which serves as the primary injection vector, allowing remote attackers to manipulate database queries without authentication. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, which is classified as a severe weakness in software security architecture that enables attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and access sensitive data. This particular flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and proper parameter sanitization that has been documented extensively in cybersecurity literature as one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application vulnerabilities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the lid parameter in the game.php script. The module fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL query constructions, enabling attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands that execute within the database context. This allows for complete database compromise including data extraction, modification, or deletion of sensitive information. The vulnerability exists due to improper handling of user input at the application layer where dynamic SQL queries are constructed without adequate protection mechanisms such as prepared statements or parameterized queries. Attackers can leverage this flaw to bypass normal access controls, potentially gaining administrative privileges or extracting confidential user data from the underlying database system. The exploitation requires no special privileges beyond basic network access to the vulnerable web application, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with knowledge of the target system's URL structure.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2543 extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with comprehensive database access capabilities that can lead to complete system compromise. Organizations using vulnerable XOOPS installations with the Flashgames module face significant risks including unauthorized data manipulation, potential service disruption, and exposure of sensitive user information. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web browser-based exploitation, automated scanning tools, or manual attack techniques. This flaw directly violates fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the SQL Injection category that consistently ranks among the most critical web application security risks. The impact is particularly severe in environments where sensitive data such as user credentials, personal information, or business-critical data resides within the same database as the vulnerable application. Security professionals must recognize that this vulnerability can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, potentially leading to full system compromise through additional exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2543 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application code, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before database interaction. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of the Flashgames module or implement input sanitization measures that prevent SQL injection attacks by escaping special characters and validating parameter types. Security measures should include the implementation of web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious SQL injection patterns, along with comprehensive code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application codebase. The remediation process must also include database access controls and privilege management to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and address similar weaknesses in other modules or components that may present similar attack surfaces. Organizations should also implement proper monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect unauthorized database access attempts and provide forensic capabilities for incident response activities. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against various attack vectors including SQL injection threats.