CVE-2008-0874 in eEmpregos module
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in the eEmpregos module for XOOPS allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cid parameter in a view action.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2024
The CVE-2008-0874 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the eEmpregos module of the XOOPS content management framework. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php file and occurs during the view action when processing the cid parameter, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious sql commands. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql query structures. This allows an attacker to manipulate the sql execution flow by injecting malicious sql payloads through the cid parameter, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive database information or executing destructive operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows standard sql injection attack patterns where the cid parameter is not properly sanitized before being used in database queries. When a user submits a request with a crafted cid value, the application directly incorporates this input into sql statements without adequate protection measures such as parameterized queries or proper input filtering. This creates an environment where attackers can append sql commands to the legitimate query structure, potentially bypassing authentication mechanisms, extracting confidential data, or modifying database contents. The vulnerability specifically affects the eEmpregos module within XOOPS, which is commonly used for job listing and employment-related functionalities, making it particularly concerning for organizations relying on this platform for business-critical operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0874 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass full database compromise and potential system infiltration. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive user information, employment records, and potentially escalate privileges within the application environment. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this flaw from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system. Organizations using vulnerable versions of XOOPS with the eEmpregos module face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential service disruption. The vulnerability also aligns with common attack patterns documented in the mitre attack framework under the execution and credential access tactics, where attackers can use sql injection as a stepping stone for further system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0874 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in database queries. This includes adopting parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent sql injection attacks, as recommended by the cwe catalog under cwe-89 for sql injection vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and regularly update their XOOPS installations to patched versions. Additional defensive measures include input length restrictions, character set filtering, and comprehensive logging of database access patterns to detect anomalous activity. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to industry standards such as those outlined in the owasp top ten project, which consistently ranks sql injection among the most critical web application security risks requiring immediate attention and remediation.