CVE-2008-1121 in eazyPortal
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in eazyPortal 1.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the session_vars cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2024
The CVE-2008-1121 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in eazyPortal version 1.0 and earlier, specifically targeting the index.php script. This vulnerability resides in how the application processes the session_vars cookie parameter, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to inject malicious sql commands directly into the database layer. The flaw demonstrates a classic input validation failure where user-supplied data from http cookies is not properly sanitized or escaped before being incorporated into sql queries. This vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a severe security weakness affecting data integrity and confidentiality. The attack vector operates through a remote exploitation model where malicious actors can manipulate the session_vars cookie to inject sql payloads that bypass normal authentication mechanisms and execute unauthorized database operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper parameter sanitization within the eazyPortal application framework. When the index.php script processes the session_vars cookie, it directly incorporates the cookie value into sql query construction without appropriate escaping or parameter binding mechanisms. This creates a scenario where attackers can craft malicious cookie values containing sql injection payloads that manipulate the underlying database operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands with the privileges of the web application's database user, potentially enabling data theft, modification, or deletion. The cookie-based attack vector adds complexity to detection and prevention since the malicious input is not visible in standard url parameters but rather embedded within http headers.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-1121 extends beyond simple data compromise to encompass full system exploitation capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive user credentials, personal information, and business data stored within the eazyPortal database. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system. This vulnerability directly maps to several attack techniques within the mitre att&ck framework under the initial access and execution phases, specifically targeting the credential access and persistence tactics. The vulnerability also enables attackers to potentially escalate privileges and establish backdoors within the affected system, making it a prime target for advanced persistent threats. Organizations using vulnerable versions of eazyPortal face significant risk of data breaches and regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1121 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security architecture improvements. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of eazyPortal that implements proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should implement input sanitization mechanisms that escape or validate all cookie values before processing them within sql contexts. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious cookie values attempting sql injection attacks. Security configurations should enforce strict cookie handling practices including secure flag settings and proper http only attributes to reduce attack surface. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should verify that all input handling mechanisms properly validate and sanitize user-supplied data, particularly in cookie-based authentication systems. Organizations should also establish comprehensive monitoring and logging procedures to detect unauthorized database access attempts that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.