CVE-2007-3402 in pagetool
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in pagetool 1.07 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the news_id parameter in a pagetool_news action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3402 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the pagetool content management system version 1.07. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php script and occurs when processing the pagetool_news action with the news_id parameter. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql queries. This allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands that are subsequently executed by the database engine, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic sql injection attack pattern where the attacker manipulates the news_id parameter to inject malicious sql code. When the application processes this parameter without proper sanitization, the sql query structure becomes vulnerable to manipulation. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a weakness that allows attackers to execute unauthorized sql commands against the database. This weakness is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited to retrieve sensitive data, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the application environment. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this vulnerability enables remote code execution capabilities through sql injection techniques that can leverage database-specific functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to the entire database backend, potentially accessing user credentials, personal information, and other sensitive data stored within the pagetool system. The vulnerability also provides opportunities for attackers to modify or delete critical content, alter application behavior, or establish persistent backdoors within the system. This represents a significant risk to organizations relying on pagetool 1.07 for content management, as the compromise of a single vulnerable parameter can lead to complete system takeover. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to carry out attacks, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible web environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to ensure that user-supplied data cannot be interpreted as sql commands. Organizations should apply the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to a newer version of pagetool that addresses this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input sanitization mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection against similar attacks. Security practices should include regular vulnerability assessments, code reviews focusing on sql query construction, and adherence to secure coding guidelines such as those specified in the owasp top ten. The remediation process should also include monitoring database logs for suspicious activities and implementing proper access controls to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of input validation and proper sql query handling in preventing remote code execution through sql injection attacks.