CVE-2007-3812 in CMScout
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in forums.php in CMScout 1.23 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the f parameter in a forums action to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3812 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the CMScout content management system version 1.23 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the forums.php component and specifically affects the handling of user input through the f parameter in the forums action of index.php. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the application's database queries by injecting malicious sql code through the affected parameter, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data and system compromise. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands, making it a classic sql injection vulnerability that has been prevalent in web applications for decades.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user input before incorporating it into sql queries. When an attacker submits malicious input through the f parameter, the application processes this input without adequate validation or sanitization, allowing the injected sql commands to be executed with the privileges of the web application's database user. This creates a pathway for attackers to extract, modify, or delete database contents, potentially gaining access to user credentials, personal information, or other sensitive data stored within the system's database. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution through sql injection techniques, enabling attackers to perform actions such as creating new database users, modifying existing records, or even executing system commands depending on the database configuration and privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to the underlying infrastructure. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially escalate privileges, access administrative functions, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the forums component, which typically handles user discussions, posts, and related data, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking to gain persistent access to the system. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in web applications where user-generated content is processed, as it demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and parameterized queries in preventing malicious code injection.
Organizations using CMScout version 1.23 or earlier should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary defense mechanism involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to ensure that user input cannot be interpreted as sql commands. This includes validating all input parameters against expected formats, implementing proper escaping mechanisms, and using stored procedures or prepared statements to separate sql code from data. Additionally, access controls should be implemented to limit database privileges for the web application, ensuring that even if an injection occurs, the attacker cannot perform destructive operations. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1190 which addresses exploit public-facing application, making it a significant concern for organizations operating legacy web applications. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other components of the system, as sql injection remains one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application vulnerabilities according to the OWASP top ten project.