CVE-2008-0499 in LaiThai
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Mambo LaiThai 4.5.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2018
The CVE-2008-0499 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw discovered in Mambo LaiThai version 4.5.5, a content management system that was widely used in the early 2000s. This vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-89 sql injection as defined by the common weakness enumeration framework, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands without authentication, presenting a severe threat to web application security. The vulnerability was particularly concerning because Mambo LaiThai was a popular open source content management solution that many organizations relied upon for their websites and online presence. The unspecified vectors in the original description suggest that multiple input points within the application could potentially be exploited, making the attack surface broader than initially apparent.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when user input is not properly sanitized or validated before being incorporated into sql queries executed by the backend database. Attackers can manipulate input parameters to inject malicious sql code that gets executed by the database server, potentially allowing them to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even gain administrative access to the underlying system. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not need physical access to the server or network to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. This type of vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in input validation and data handling practices, where the application fails to properly escape or parameterize user-supplied data before incorporating it into database operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0499 extends far beyond simple data theft, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Mambo LaiThai faced the risk of data breaches, where confidential customer information, business data, or proprietary content could be exposed to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability also posed risks of data integrity compromise, where attackers could modify or delete critical database entries, potentially causing significant operational disruptions. Additionally, the attack could result in the establishment of persistent backdoors or the deployment of malicious code that could further compromise the system. The widespread adoption of Mambo LaiThai meant that numerous websites were potentially vulnerable, creating a large attack surface for threat actors. This vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the mitre att&ck framework under the execution and credential access tactics, where attackers leverage injection flaws to gain unauthorized access to system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0499 primarily focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of Mambo LaiThai or migrate to more modern content management systems that have better security practices built-in. The implementation of web application firewalls and proper input sanitization techniques can provide additional layers of protection. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable software and ensure proper patching procedures are followed. Database access controls should be reviewed and strengthened to limit the potential impact of successful attacks. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and regular security audits, as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including nist cybersecurity framework and iso 27001 standards. Organizations should also implement proper monitoring and logging to detect potential exploitation attempts and respond quickly to security incidents.