CVE-2007-5458 in KwsPHP
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in the newsletter module 1.0 for KwsPHP, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the newsletter parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5458 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the newsletter module version 1.0 of the KwsPHP content management system. This weakness specifically affects systems where the php configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, creating an environment where malicious input can bypass standard sanitization mechanisms. The vulnerability resides in the index.php file of the newsletter module, making it a targeted attack vector for remote threat actors seeking to compromise systems running this specific software version.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices within the newsletter module's parameter handling. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, php does not automatically escape special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data, leaving the application susceptible to malicious sql payload injection. The newsletter parameter in the index.php script directly incorporates user-supplied input into sql query construction without adequate sanitization or parameterization, creating a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate database operations. This flaw aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities arising from insufficient input validation and improper query construction techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as remote attackers can execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database system. This capability enables comprehensive system compromise including unauthorized data access, modification of existing records, creation of new database entries, and potentially complete database destruction. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, extract sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, or system configuration details, and establish persistent access points within the compromised environment. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications exposed to public networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5458 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application code, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before database interaction. System administrators should enable magic_quotes_gpc as a temporary workaround, though this approach is considered deprecated in modern php versions. The recommended approach involves implementing prepared statements and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection at the database interaction level. Additionally, regular security audits, input validation enforcement, and application firewalls should be deployed to detect and prevent similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers sql injection attacks targeting web applications. Organizations should also implement proper network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation.