CVE-2007-3250 in Elxis
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in mod_banners.php in Elxis CMS before 2006.4 20070613 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the mb_tracker cookie. NOTE: the product was patched without updating the version number; later downloads of 2006.4 are not affected.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3250 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the mod_banners.php component of Elxis CMS versions prior to 2006.4 20070613. This weakness specifically targets the mb_tracker cookie parameter, creating an avenue for remote attackers to execute unauthorized sql commands against the underlying database system. The vulnerability demonstrates how poorly sanitized user input can lead to complete database compromise, as the application fails to properly validate or escape data received through the cookie mechanism. The affected component handles banner tracking functionality, making it a potential entry point for attackers seeking to manipulate advertising data or access sensitive backend information. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-89 sql injection as defined by the CWE standard, which specifically addresses the improper handling of sql commands through untrusted input sources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious cookie value containing sql payload within the mb_tracker parameter. The Elxis CMS application processes this unvalidated input directly within sql queries without proper sanitization or parameterization, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary sql commands. This flaw enables a wide range of malicious activities including data extraction, modification, or deletion of database records. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as it can facilitate privilege escalation, backdoor installation, or complete system compromise depending on the database permissions. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain persistent access to the application's database layer, potentially accessing user credentials, configuration data, or other sensitive information stored within the cms system. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require authentication, making it particularly dangerous as any remote user can attempt to exploit the flaw.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-3250 is severe and multifaceted, affecting both the integrity and availability of affected Elxis CMS installations. Organizations running vulnerable versions face potential data breaches, loss of customer information, and compromise of their digital infrastructure. The vulnerability's presence in banner tracking functionality means that even casual website visitors could trigger exploitation, making the attack surface broader than typical sql injection vulnerabilities. This flaw can also serve as a stepping stone for attackers to conduct further reconnaissance or establish persistent access points within the network. The patching process for this vulnerability was particularly complex as the developers released a fix without updating the version number, creating confusion in the security community about the actual patched version. This approach to remediation aligns with certain ATT&CK tactics where adversaries may attempt to obscure their actions through version manipulation, though in this case it was an unintended consequence of the patching strategy. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper input validation and the need for regular security updates in content management systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3250 should prioritize immediate implementation of the vendor-provided patch, despite the confusing versioning scheme that accompanied the fix. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures at all entry points, particularly for cookie-based parameters, following established secure coding practices. The use of parameterized queries or prepared statements should be enforced throughout the application to prevent sql injection exploitation regardless of input sources. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense in depth, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious cookie values and unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other components of the cms or related applications. Organizations should also implement proper change management processes to ensure that all security patches are properly applied and verified, particularly when dealing with software that may not update version numbers following patch releases. The incident underscores the importance of maintaining current security awareness and the necessity of thorough testing when applying security fixes to prevent potential regressions or incomplete remediation.