CVE-2008-0291 in RichStrong CMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in showproduct.asp in RichStrong CMS allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cat parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0291 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the RichStrong Content Management System targeting the showproduct.asp component. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of the cat parameter which is used to filter and display product categories within the web application. The flaw exists due to insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands directly into the database query execution chain. The vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a fundamental web application security flaw where untrusted data is directly incorporated into sql command structures without proper escaping or parameterization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the cat parameter in the showproduct.asp script. The application fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before incorporating it into sql queries, enabling attackers to manipulate the database query logic. This allows for unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion operations, potentially leading to complete database compromise. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it requires no authentication and can be executed remotely, making it highly attractive to threat actors seeking to exploit web applications. According to the attack technique framework, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting web application interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential business disruption. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to sensitive customer information, financial data, or proprietary business content stored within the cms database. Attackers might also leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access points, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malicious payloads within the compromised environment. The vulnerability affects organizations using RichStrong CMS versions prior to the patch release, creating a significant risk for businesses that have not updated their systems. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage if such vulnerabilities remain unaddressed. The attack surface is particularly concerning for e-commerce platforms that rely heavily on product catalog functionality, as the cat parameter is commonly used for navigation and filtering operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0291 should prioritize immediate patching of the RichStrong CMS to the latest secure version that addresses the sql injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures at all application entry points, particularly for parameters like cat that handle user-supplied data. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application codebase to prevent sql injection attacks. Additionally, web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious sql injection patterns in http requests. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application stack. Network segmentation and least privilege access controls should be implemented to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. Organizations should also establish robust incident response procedures and maintain up-to-date backups to ensure rapid recovery from potential compromise scenarios. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and regular security updates in maintaining web application integrity.