CVE-2008-0358 in Pixelpost
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in Pixelpost 1.7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the parent_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0358 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Pixelpost 1.7 content management system that specifically affects the index.php script. This vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The affected parameter, parent_id, serves as the primary attack vector through which malicious actors can manipulate the application's database interactions and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to employ proper parameterized queries or input sanitization techniques when processing the parent_id parameter. When a user submits data through the parent_id field, the application directly incorporates this input into sql statements without appropriate escaping or validation measures. This design flaw aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities resulting from improper handling of user input in database operations. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely, making it particularly dangerous as attackers do not require local system access to execute malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands on the underlying database server. Successful exploitation could allow threat actors to extract sensitive information including user credentials, database schemas, and application data. Additionally, attackers might modify or delete database records, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location with internet access, making this vulnerability particularly attractive to malicious actors. This type of vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation and T1190 which addresses exploit public-facing applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query execution. System administrators should upgrade to a patched version of Pixelpost 1.7 or migrate to a more recent version that addresses this sql injection flaw. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation rules can provide additional protection layers. Security measures should include proper parameterized queries, input sanitization, and output encoding to prevent malicious sql code from being executed. Regular security audits and penetration testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and database permissions to limit the potential damage from successful sql injection attacks. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in application functionality while maintaining the security improvements necessary to prevent future exploitation attempts.