CVE-2007-5177 in Mambo
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in the MambAds (com_mambads) 1.5 and earlier component for Mambo allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the caid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The CVE-2007-5177 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the MambAds component version 1.5 and earlier for the Mambo content management system. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php file and exploits improper input validation mechanisms that fail to sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL query constructions. The attack vector utilizes the caid parameter, which serves as a category identifier within the component's functionality, making it a legitimate input point that attackers can manipulate to inject malicious SQL code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the direct injection of SQL commands into the caid parameter, which is then processed by the application without adequate sanitization or parameterization. When the application receives the malicious input, it concatenates the user-provided value directly into the SQL query string, allowing attackers to alter the intended query execution flow. This flaw falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, specifically classified as a direct SQL injection where the application does not properly escape or parameterize user input before executing database operations. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data retrieval, modification, deletion, or even complete database compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5177 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive system information and user credentials stored within the database. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to escalate privileges, modify content, or establish persistent backdoors within the Mambo installation. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate database contents but also potentially exposes the entire application infrastructure to further attacks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004 for application layer protocol and T1190 for exploit public-facing application, representing how attackers can leverage web application vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access. The impact is particularly severe in environments where the Mambo system contains sensitive user data, administrative credentials, or business-critical information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterization techniques to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should apply the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to MambAds version 1.6 or later, which addresses the input sanitization issues. Additionally, implementing proper database access controls, using prepared statements or parameterized queries, and establishing input validation at multiple layers of the application can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, while regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege when designing database interactions within web applications.