CVE-2008-0921 in beContent
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in news.php in beContent 0.3.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0921 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the beContent content management system version 0.3.1. This vulnerability specifically affects the news.php script where user input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into sql query constructions. The issue manifests through the id parameter which serves as the primary attack vector for malicious actors seeking to exploit this weakness. The vulnerability classification aligns with common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is directly incorporated into sql commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers provide malicious input through the id parameter in the news.php script. When the application processes this input without adequate sanitization, it allows attackers to inject arbitrary sql commands that are then executed by the underlying database system. This creates a scenario where attackers can potentially extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even gain elevated privileges within the database environment. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices where the application fails to distinguish between legitimate user input and malicious sql code fragments that could alter the intended execution flow of database queries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or corruption, as it provides attackers with potential access to the entire database backend that supports the beContent system. Depending on the database configuration and the privileges granted to the application user, successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise including unauthorized access to user credentials, sensitive business information, or even the ability to execute system commands on the underlying server. This represents a severe threat to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, particularly given that the vulnerability affects a core content management component that likely handles critical business data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. The most effective immediate fix involves updating the news.php script to utilize prepared statements or parameterized queries where user input is properly separated from sql command structure. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization routines that filter or escape special sql characters can provide additional protection layers. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious sql injection patterns. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to established security frameworks that emphasize the principle of least privilege and proper data validation at all input points within applications. The remediation process should include comprehensive code review to identify similar vulnerabilities across other scripts within the beContent system and implementation of automated testing procedures to prevent future occurrences of sql injection flaws.