CVE-2007-3311 in Articles Module
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in print.php in the Articles 1.02 and earlier module for Xoops allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3311 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Articles module version 1.02 and earlier of the Xoops content management system. This security weakness exists in the print.php script which handles article printing functionality, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to exploit the system's database interface. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input passed through the id parameter, creating an opportunity for unauthorized database access and manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the Xoops Articles module. When a user requests to print an article, the system processes the id parameter directly without adequate sanitization or parameterization, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql commands. This flaw falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into sql queries without proper escaping or parameterization. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands on the underlying database server, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using affected Xoops installations. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive data from the database including user credentials, personal information, and system configurations. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers can modify or delete database records, potentially corrupting the entire content management system. Additionally, the vulnerability can serve as a stepping stone for further attacks within the network, as compromised database credentials often provide access to other interconnected systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Xoops was widely used for community websites and web applications that often contain sensitive user information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3311 should prioritize immediate patching of the Articles module to version 1.03 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should implement proper parameterized queries throughout the application to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components. Network segmentation and database access controls should be enforced to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar input validation weaknesses. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the software security development lifecycle and aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques related to command and control through database manipulation and credential access through data exfiltration.