CVE-2007-2577 in ACP3
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in ACP3 4.0 beta 3 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) the mode parameter to feeds.php, the (2) form[cat] parameter to (a) news/list/index.php or (b) certain news/details/id_*/action_create/index.php files, or (3) the form[mods][] parameter to search/list/action_search/index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2577 represents a critical security flaw in ACP3 version 4.0 beta 3 that exposes multiple pathways for remote SQL injection attacks. This issue affects web applications that process user input without proper sanitization, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate database queries and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the application's handling of user-supplied parameters in several key files, making it particularly dangerous for systems that rely on this software stack. Such vulnerabilities typically arise when developers fail to implement proper parameterized queries or input sanitization techniques, leaving application interfaces exposed to malicious data manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through three distinct attack vectors that target different file paths within the ACP3 application. The first vector involves the mode parameter in feeds.php, where an attacker can inject malicious SQL code that gets executed by the database engine. The second vector targets the form[cat] parameter in news/list/index.php and news/details/id_*/action_create/index.php files, allowing attackers to manipulate category-based queries and potentially bypass authentication or access restricted content. The third vector operates through the form[mods][] parameter in search/list/action_search/index.php, enabling attackers to inject SQL commands during search operations. These attack paths demonstrate a pattern of poor input validation where user-supplied data flows directly into database queries without proper sanitization or parameterization.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2577 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to database contents. Attackers can potentially retrieve sensitive user information, modify database records, execute administrative commands, and even escalate privileges within the affected system. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of content management and user interaction features, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate news content, user accounts, and system configurations. This type of vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and represents a classic example of improper input handling that can be exploited through automated scanning tools or manual attack techniques. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these vulnerabilities exist in core application files that handle user interactions and content display.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2577 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query construction throughout the affected application components. Organizations should implement strict input sanitization mechanisms that filter or escape special characters before processing user data, while also ensuring that all database interactions utilize parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection exploitation. The remediation process involves modifying the affected files feeds.php, news/list/index.php, news/details/id_*/action_create/index.php, and search/list/action_search/index.php to properly validate and sanitize all user-supplied parameters. Security measures should include input length restrictions, character set validation, and comprehensive output encoding to prevent malicious payloads from being executed. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection while the core vulnerabilities are being addressed. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a typical attack pattern that would be catalogued under the ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications.