CVE-2008-0735 in AuraCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in mod/gallery/ajax/gallery_data.php in AuraCMS 2.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the albums parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0735 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the AuraCMS 2.2 content management system, specifically affecting the mod/gallery/ajax/gallery_data.php component. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the albums parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands directly into the application's database layer, potentially compromising the entire backend infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation occurs through the web application's AJAX interface, which processes gallery data requests and fails to properly escape or parameterize the albums input field, creating an avenue for malicious SQL payload injection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in application security where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization. The flaw demonstrates characteristics of CWE-20, indicating improper input validation where the application fails to adequately validate or sanitize user-provided parameters before incorporating them into database operations. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically targeting the data access layer where database queries are constructed and executed. Attackers can leverage this weakness to manipulate the database by injecting SQL commands that bypass authentication, extract sensitive information, modify or delete data, or even escalate privileges within the database system.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0735 extends beyond simple data compromise, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to the underlying database infrastructure and potentially escalate their privileges within the application environment. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise, allowing attackers to view, modify, or destroy sensitive information stored within the AuraCMS system. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network credentials to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in internet-facing applications. Additionally, the AJAX-based interface provides a stealthy method for attackers to execute commands without obvious disruption to normal application functionality, complicating detection and forensic analysis.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass multiple layers of defense to address the root cause of the SQL injection flaw. Immediate remediation involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase, specifically within the gallery_data.php component and related database interaction functions. The application should employ prepared statements or parameterized queries to ensure that user input is treated as data rather than executable code. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization techniques including input length restrictions, character set validation, and encoding mechanisms can help prevent malicious payloads from being processed. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns, along with regular security code reviews and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities. The remediation approach should align with ATT&CK framework techniques such as T1190 for exploit public-facing application and T1071.004 for application layer protocol to ensure comprehensive protection against similar attack vectors. Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments remain crucial for maintaining system integrity and preventing exploitation of similar weaknesses in the application's codebase.