CVE-2007-5371 in MODX
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in mutate_content.dynamic.php in MODx 0.9.6 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) documentDirty or (2) modVariables parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5371 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the MODx content management system version 0.9.6, specifically affecting the mutate_content.dynamic.php script. This vulnerability exposes the application to remote code execution attacks through improper input validation mechanisms that fail to sanitize user-supplied parameters before incorporating them into database queries. The flaw resides in how the system processes the documentDirty and modVariables parameters, which are typically used for content management operations within the administrative interface. These parameters are directly concatenated into SQL queries without adequate sanitization or parameterization, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection flaws as weaknesses that occur when application code incorporates untrusted data into SQL queries without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. Attackers can manipulate the documentDirty parameter to inject malicious SQL payloads that may result in unauthorized database access, data exfiltration, or complete system compromise. The modVariables parameter presents an equally dangerous attack vector, as it allows for the injection of commands that can manipulate the database structure or execute administrative functions. Both parameters are processed through a dynamic query construction mechanism that does not employ prepared statements or proper input filtering, making the system particularly susceptible to this class of attack.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise and persistent backdoor access. An attacker who successfully exploits either parameter can potentially escalate privileges, modify content management workflows, or extract sensitive information from the database. The vulnerability affects the core administrative functionality of MODx, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to gain control over content management systems. This flaw particularly impacts organizations relying on older versions of MODx where patching may not have been implemented, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation by threat actors who maintain knowledge of such legacy vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected MODx version to the latest stable release that addresses the SQL injection flaws. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries for all database interactions, ensuring that user-supplied data cannot influence SQL command structure. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting database user permissions to only those operations necessary for application functionality. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other components of the application stack, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization across all dynamic content processing functions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1190 technique for exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications, emphasizing the need for comprehensive application security measures including proper code review practices and security testing protocols.