CVE-2008-0278 in X7 Chat
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in X7 Chat 2.0.5 and possibly earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the day parameter in a sm_window action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The CVE-2008-0278 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in X7 Chat version 2.0.5 and potentially earlier releases, fundamentally compromising the application's database security posture. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php script and exploits the day parameter within the sm_window action, creating an attack vector that enables remote adversaries to manipulate the underlying database through crafted sql commands. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, allowing malicious actors to inject sql payloads that bypass normal application logic and directly interact with the database layer. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of sql injection, which is consistently ranked among the top ten web application security risks by the OWASP project, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where chat applications often store sensitive user communications and authentication data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious request containing specially formatted input in the day parameter of the sm_window action. The application fails to properly escape or validate this input before incorporating it into sql queries, resulting in the execution of unintended sql commands. This allows attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion, potentially leading to complete database compromise. The remote nature of this attack means that no local system access is required, making it particularly attractive to threat actors who can exploit the vulnerability from anywhere on the internet. The impact is amplified because chat applications typically contain sensitive user information, session data, and potentially confidential communications that could be accessed or modified by unauthorized parties.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond simple data exposure, as it provides attackers with a pathway to establish persistent access to the affected system. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to escalate privileges, create backdoor accounts, or modify application behavior to maintain long-term access. The vulnerability affects not just the immediate database but also potentially impacts the broader network infrastructure if the chat application shares database credentials with other systems. Organizations running X7 Chat versions 2.0.5 or earlier face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences due to the exposure of sensitive user communications. The attack surface is particularly concerning because chat applications are often used in business environments where they may contain proprietary information, personal data, or communications that would be valuable to adversaries.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0278 must focus on immediate remediation through software updates and comprehensive input validation implementation. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of X7 Chat that properly sanitizes user input and implements parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should implement proper input validation at multiple layers including application code, web application firewalls, and database-level restrictions. The use of prepared statements and parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application to ensure that user input cannot be interpreted as sql commands. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege for database accounts, regular security auditing, and network monitoring can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS), as attackers may use this vulnerability to establish persistent access and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure.