CVE-2007-4953 in SimpCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in SimpCMS allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the keyword parameter in a search site action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4953 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the SimpCMS content management system that fundamentally compromises the integrity and security of web applications relying on this platform. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php file, which serves as the primary entry point for search functionality within the CMS, making it a high-value target for malicious actors seeking to exploit the system. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The keyword parameter in the search site action provides an attack vector where remote attackers can inject malicious SQL code directly through the web interface, bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms that typically protect database operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. This classification indicates that the vulnerability stems from improper handling of user input within SQL query construction processes, creating an environment where attacker-controlled data can manipulate the intended behavior of database operations. The attack occurs when the application directly concatenates user-supplied input into SQL statements without proper sanitization or parameterization, allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that can execute arbitrary SQL commands on the underlying database server. This type of vulnerability typically enables attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database contents, or even gain complete control over the database system through privilege escalation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it can result in complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the CMS database. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform unauthorized database operations including data exfiltration, data modification, and potentially execute administrative commands on the database server. The implications are particularly severe for web applications that store user credentials, personal information, or business-critical data within the SimpCMS environment. According to ATT&CK framework category T1190, this vulnerability falls under the technique of exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, where attackers can use SQL injection to gain access to backend systems and escalate privileges within the application's security boundaries.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4953 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized query construction techniques to prevent user-supplied data from being interpreted as SQL code. The most effective remediation involves adopting prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL command structure from data values, ensuring that user input is treated as literal data rather than executable code. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization measures including character escaping, length validation, and whitelist-based filtering can significantly reduce the attack surface. Security practitioners should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious SQL injection patterns. Regular security auditing and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security gaps in the software development lifecycle. Organizations using SimpCMS should prioritize immediate patching and upgrade to versions that address this vulnerability, as the risk of exploitation remains high given the widespread use of this CMS platform and the relatively simple nature of the attack vector.