CVE-2008-0721 in Com Sermon
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in the Sermon (com_sermon) 0.2 component for Mambo allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the gid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0721 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Sermon component version 0.2 for the Mambo content management system. This vulnerability specifically affects the index.php file and exposes the application to remote code execution through improper input validation. The flaw resides in how the application processes the gid parameter, which is used to retrieve and display sermon data from the database. When an attacker submits malicious input through this parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before incorporating it into SQL queries, creating an avenue for database manipulation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows the classic SQL injection attack pattern where malicious SQL code is injected through user-controllable parameters. The gid parameter serves as the primary attack vector, allowing threat actors to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive data, modify database records, or even gain administrative control over the affected system. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate parameter sanitization within the Mambo component's codebase.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to fully compromise the underlying database system. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to sermon archives, user credentials, and potentially sensitive organizational information stored within the Mambo installation. Attackers might also leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access points, modify content, or use the compromised system as a launching pad for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate application but also potentially impacts the broader security posture of organizations relying on outdated Mambo installations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected component to version 0.2 or later, which should include proper input validation and parameter binding mechanisms. Organizations should implement web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious SQL injection patterns, while also conducting thorough input sanitization across all user-controllable parameters. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries should be mandatory for all database interactions, as recommended by OWASP and NIST guidelines. Additionally, regular security audits, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the web application stack, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar SQL injection threats.