CVE-2008-0835 in Simple CMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in indexen.php in Simple CMS 1.0.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the area parameter.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0835 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Simple CMS 1.0.3 content management system and earlier versions. This vulnerability specifically affects the indexen.php script which processes user input through the area parameter, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter or escape user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses sql injection attacks where untrusted data is directly concatenated into sql command strings without proper sanitization. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it enables remote code execution through sql injection techniques, allowing attackers to manipulate the underlying database and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic sql injection pattern where the area parameter in indexen.php is directly used in sql query construction without appropriate input validation. When an attacker submits malicious sql payload through this parameter, the application fails to sanitize the input, resulting in the execution of unintended sql commands on the database server. The vulnerability exists due to the application's reliance on dynamic sql query building techniques that concatenate user input directly into sql statements rather than using parameterized queries or prepared statements. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the exploitation of sql injection vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to database resources. The impact extends beyond simple data retrieval as attackers can potentially modify, delete, or extract sensitive information from the database, including user credentials, configuration data, and application content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, affecting both the confidentiality and integrity of the affected system. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary sql commands, potentially gaining full administrative access to the database and the underlying application. The vulnerability affects all versions of Simple CMS up to and including version 1.0.3, representing a widespread risk across numerous installations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive data, modify content, create backdoor accounts, or even escalate privileges within the database environment. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious sql payloads that bypass authentication mechanisms and manipulate database structures. Organizations running affected versions of Simple CMS face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability also increases the attack surface for further exploitation as database access often provides pathways to other systems within the network infrastructure. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web applications where database credentials are often stored with elevated privileges, creating opportunities for attackers to escalate their compromise and gain broader system access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0835 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and parameterized query implementation. Organizations should upgrade to the latest version of Simple CMS where this vulnerability has been patched and properly addressed. The fix involves implementing proper input sanitization techniques and transitioning from dynamic sql query construction to parameterized queries or prepared statements. Security measures should include input validation at multiple layers, including application-level filtering, web application firewalls, and database-level access controls. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The implementation of proper error handling mechanisms can prevent information leakage that might assist attackers in crafting more sophisticated attacks. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also implement monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of regular security updates to protect against known vulnerabilities in web applications.