CVE-2007-5912 in Jportal Web Portal
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in mailer.php in jPORTAL 2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the to parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5912 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the jportal 2 mailer.php component that exposes remote attackers to arbitrary code execution capabilities. This vulnerability specifically targets the to parameter within the mailer script, which processes email recipient information for the jportal content management system. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql queries. When an attacker submits malicious sql payload through the to parameter, the application directly appends this unvalidated input into database queries without adequate protection measures, creating a pathway for unauthorized database access and manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes sql injection as a fundamental weakness in software design that occurs when application code incorporates untrusted data into sql commands without proper sanitization. The attack vector operates through the web application layer where user input flows directly into sql execution contexts, bypassing standard security controls that should normally validate and sanitize all external data. This particular vulnerability demonstrates how insufficient parameter validation in web forms can lead to complete database compromise, as the to parameter serves as the entry point for sql command injection attacks. The vulnerability exists due to the application's failure to implement proper input sanitization techniques such as prepared statements or parameterized queries, instead relying on string concatenation methods that make the system susceptible to malicious input manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the database. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract confidential data including user credentials, personal information, and system configuration details that may be stored in the backend database. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system or local network privileges. Additionally, the vulnerability can be used to modify or delete database records, potentially causing system instability or data corruption that may affect the availability and integrity of the jportal application. The potential for privilege escalation exists if the database user account has elevated permissions, allowing attackers to execute administrative commands and gain deeper system access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5912 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the application codebase, particularly around the mailer.php component and all parameters that interact with database systems. The most effective remediation approach involves adopting parameterized queries or prepared statements that separate sql command structure from user input data, preventing malicious payloads from being interpreted as sql commands. Input validation should be implemented at multiple layers including client-side and server-side controls, with strict sanitization routines that filter out potentially dangerous sql characters and sequences. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and privilege management to limit database user permissions, ensuring that applications use least-privilege accounts with minimal necessary access rights. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional monitoring and blocking capabilities for sql injection attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other application components, while maintaining updated security patches and following secure coding practices that align with industry standards and best practices established by organizations such as owasp and nist.