CVE-2007-5141 in SiteX CMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in search.php in SiteX CMS 0.7.3 Beta allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the search parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5141 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the SiteX CMS 0.7.3 Beta content management system. This issue specifically targets the search.php script which processes user input through the search parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL command structures. This flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the database query execution flow, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits specially crafted SQL commands through the search parameter in the search.php script. The CMS fails to implement proper parameterized queries or input sanitization, allowing the injected SQL code to execute with the privileges of the database user account. This can result in unauthorized data access, data modification, or complete database compromise depending on the attacker's objectives and the underlying database permissions. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command, which is a fundamental weakness in database interaction security. This weakness directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1071.005: Application Layer Protocol: SQL, where adversaries leverage SQL injection to gain unauthorized access to database systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with potential persistence mechanisms and lateral movement capabilities within the compromised environment. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential use as a foothold for further attacks. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system. Organizations running SiteX CMS 0.7.3 Beta are particularly vulnerable as this version predates modern security practices and lacks the robust input validation mechanisms that would typically prevent such attacks. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper code review processes and security testing in software development lifecycle, as this flaw could have been identified and remediated during the development phase through proper security controls and input validation protocols.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5141 should prioritize immediate patching or upgrading to a secure version of SiteX CMS that implements proper input sanitization and parameterized queries. Organizations should implement web application firewalls to detect and block SQL injection attempts, while also conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The implementation of principle of least privilege for database accounts, along with regular security assessments and penetration testing, can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Additionally, organizations should establish proper input validation controls and ensure that all user-supplied data is properly escaped or parameterized before database interaction to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other applications within the infrastructure.