CVE-2007-6159 in Tilde
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in Tilde CMS 4.x and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the aarstal parameter in a yeardetail action, a different vector than CVE-2006-1500.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6159 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Tilde CMS 4.x series and earlier versions. This security weakness specifically targets the index.php script where user input is improperly handled during the yeardetail action. The vulnerability manifests through the aarstal parameter which serves as an entry point for malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands into the application's database layer. Unlike CVE-2006-1500 which addressed a similar issue in a different context, this particular vulnerability exploits a distinct code path within the application's parameter processing logic. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and proper sql query construction that has been documented under CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities. Attackers can leverage this weakness to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize or escape user-provided input before incorporating it into sql queries. When the aarstal parameter is submitted through the yeardetail action, the system directly incorporates this value into database queries without adequate protection measures such as prepared statements or proper input filtering. This creates an environment where malicious sql code can be executed within the context of the database connection, potentially allowing attackers to perform unauthorized operations against the underlying database system. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by remote attackers without prior access to the system. The attack vector specifically targets the web application's interaction with its database backend, creating opportunities for data exfiltration, data manipulation, and potential system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and business disruption. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to sensitive organizational information including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations. Database administrators and security professionals should note that this vulnerability could enable attackers to escalate privileges and gain deeper system access through database-level commands. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system. This characteristic aligns with the tactics described in the attack framework where adversaries leverage web application vulnerabilities to establish persistent access to target environments. Organizations running affected versions of Tilde CMS should consider this vulnerability as a high-priority risk that could lead to complete system compromise and data loss.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-6159 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and proper input validation implementation. The most effective solution involves upgrading to a patched version of Tilde CMS that addresses this specific sql injection vulnerability. Organizations should also implement proper parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent similar issues in custom applications. Input validation should be enforced at multiple layers including application-level filtering and database-level restrictions. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection by detecting and blocking sql injection attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing the principle of least privilege for database connections. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential sql injection vectors within their application portfolio. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that the fix does not introduce new functionality issues while effectively addressing the security weakness. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust security controls throughout the application development lifecycle.