CVE-2008-0650 in Simple OS CMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in login.php in Simple OS CMS 0.1c beta allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the username field. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0650 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Simple OS CMS 0.1c beta version, specifically affecting the login.php script. This security weakness resides in the application's handling of user input through the username field, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database queries. The vulnerability's classification as a remote attack vector means that unauthorized users can exploit this flaw without requiring physical access to the system or prior authentication. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it targets the core authentication mechanism of the content management system, potentially allowing attackers to bypass normal login procedures and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the login.php file. When users attempt to log in, the system directly incorporates the username parameter into SQL query construction without adequate escaping or parameterization techniques. This practice violates fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities. The flaw allows attackers to craft malicious username inputs that alter the intended SQL query structure, potentially enabling them to extract database contents, modify user credentials, or even execute administrative commands on the underlying database server. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple authentication bypass, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise and unauthorized system access.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations utilizing the Simple OS CMS 0.1c beta platform. The remote execution capability means that attackers can exploit this flaw from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for web applications with public exposure. The potential consequences include data breaches, unauthorized content modification, user credential theft, and possible system takeover. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that it affects the login mechanism itself, which is typically one of the most frequently accessed components of any web application. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the exploitation of vulnerabilities in remote services to gain initial access to systems.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2008-0650 requires immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries. Organizations should upgrade to a patched version of Simple OS CMS if available, or implement proper input sanitization measures that escape special characters and validate user inputs before processing. The solution should follow the principle of least privilege, ensuring that database connections used for authentication have minimal required permissions. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual login patterns and SQL query anomalies that might indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability. The vulnerability serves as a stark reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the critical need for regular security assessments of web applications to prevent such fundamental flaws from remaining undetected in production environments.