CVE-2007-3247 in VirtueMart
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in VirtueMart before 1.0.11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified parameters, possibly related to improper input validation of the PATH_INFO (PHP_SELF) by virtuemart_parser.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3247 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within VirtueMart e-commerce software versions prior to 1.0.11. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of web request parameters and specifically targets the virtuemart_parser.php component that processes incoming HTTP requests. The issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input parameters that manipulate the SQL execution flow, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive database information or executing arbitrary commands on the underlying database server. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper handling of the PATH_INFO or PHP_SELF variables within the virtuemart_parser.php file. When VirtueMart processes incoming web requests, it fails to adequately validate or sanitize the PATH_INFO parameter that contains the requested script path and additional query information. This oversight creates a direct pathway for attackers to inject malicious SQL payloads into the application's database interaction logic. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate parameter binding mechanisms that are fundamental requirements for preventing SQL injection attacks according to industry security standards.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents severe implications for e-commerce systems utilizing affected VirtueMart versions. Remote attackers can leverage the SQL injection to extract confidential customer data including personal information, credit card details, and login credentials stored in the database. The attack surface extends beyond simple data theft to include potential system compromise through database command execution, allowing attackers to modify product catalogs, manipulate pricing information, or even escalate privileges within the database environment. Organizations running vulnerable systems face significant regulatory compliance risks, particularly under standards such as pci dss and gdpr that mandate robust protection of sensitive data. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for businesses with publicly accessible web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3247 require immediate action to upgrade affected VirtueMart installations to version 1.0.11 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should implement comprehensive web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious SQL injection patterns targeting this specific vulnerability. Database-level protections should include parameterized queries and stored procedure usage to prevent user input from being interpreted as executable SQL code. Additional defensive measures encompass input validation at multiple layers including application-level filtering, regular security audits of web application code, and implementation of least privilege database user accounts with restricted permissions. The remediation process should also involve thorough testing to ensure that the upgrade does not introduce compatibility issues with existing business processes while maintaining comprehensive logging and monitoring capabilities to detect any exploitation attempts. Security teams should reference the mitre att&ck framework's command and control tactics to understand how attackers might leverage this vulnerability for persistent access and lateral movement within compromised networks.