CVE-2008-0254 in TutorialCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in activate.php in TutorialCMS (aka Photoshop Tutorials) 1.02, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the userName parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0254 represents a critical sql injection flaw within TutorialCMS version 1.02, specifically affecting the activate.php script. This weakness occurs in the context of web applications that fail to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into database queries. The vulnerability is particularly severe because it leverages the absence of magic_quotes_gpc protection, a php configuration setting that automatically escapes special characters in incoming data. When this protection is disabled, malicious actors can inject crafted sql commands directly through the userName parameter, bypassing normal input validation mechanisms that would otherwise prevent such attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input sanitization practices within the tutorialcms application. The activate.php script accepts user input through the userName parameter without adequate filtering or parameterization, allowing attackers to manipulate the sql query structure. This occurs because the application directly concatenates user-supplied data into sql statements rather than using prepared statements or proper input validation techniques. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89, which defines sql injection as the insertion of malicious sql code into input fields for execution by the database. Attackers can exploit this weakness to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the application's database. An attacker could potentially extract user credentials, tutorial content, or other confidential data that may be stored in the database. The vulnerability also allows for privilege escalation attacks where malicious users could manipulate the application to perform administrative functions. Given that this affects a content management system designed for publishing tutorials, the compromise could result in defacement of the website, unauthorized content modification, or complete service disruption. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit, making it attractive to both skilled and amateur attackers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0254 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application. The most effective immediate fix involves upgrading to a patched version of TutorialCMS or implementing proper sql injection prevention techniques such as prepared statements with parameterized queries. System administrators should also ensure that magic_quotes_gpc is properly configured or implement alternative input sanitization measures. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against such attacks. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scans to identify similar weaknesses in their web applications. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security training for developers to prevent similar issues in future application development cycles. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to established security frameworks that address sql injection threats through proper input handling and database access controls.