CVE-2007-2556 in Nuked-klaN
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Nuked-klaN 1.7.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the X-Forwarded-For (X_FORWARDED_FOR) HTTP header, as demonstrated by a request to the /nk/ URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2556 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Nuked-klaN content management system version 1.7.6. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of HTTP headers, particularly the X-Forwarded-For header which is commonly used to identify the original IP address of a client connecting to a web server through an HTTP proxy or load balancer. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize or validate input from this header before incorporating it into SQL database queries, creating an exploitable path for malicious actors to manipulate database operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the application's request processing logic. When a request is made to the /nk/ URI endpoint, the system processes the X_FORWARDED_FOR header without adequate sanitization measures. This header typically contains IP address information that may be used for logging or access control purposes, but in this case, it becomes a conduit for SQL command injection attacks. Attackers can craft malicious X-Forwarded-For header values that, when processed by the vulnerable application, result in unintended SQL query execution. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in software that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through untrusted input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the underlying database system. This can lead to complete database compromise, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information, data manipulation, or even database destruction. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate security best practices established by organizations such as the Open Web Application Security Project and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should ensure that all HTTP headers, particularly those used for proxy information like X-Forwarded-For, are properly escaped or validated before being incorporated into database queries. The recommended approach involves implementing parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection, along with input filtering that removes or escapes potentially dangerous characters. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious header values, and conduct regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their web applications. The fix should also include proper error handling to prevent information leakage that could aid attackers in further exploitation attempts, aligning with security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.