CVE-2008-1462 in RunCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the sections (Section) module in RunCMS allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the artid parameter in a viewarticle action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-1462 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the sections module of RunCMS, a content management system that was widely used in web applications during the late 2000s. This vulnerability specifically affects the viewarticle action within the Section module, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database through crafted input parameters. The flaw manifests when the system fails to properly sanitize user input, particularly the artid parameter, which is intended to specify article identifiers for viewing purposes. This represents a classic sql injection vulnerability that can be classified under CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands. The vulnerability exposes the application to potential data breaches, unauthorized access, and complete database compromise when exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the RunCMS application processes the artid parameter without adequate input validation or parameter sanitization. When an attacker submits a maliciously crafted artid value, the application incorporates this input directly into sql query construction without proper escaping or parameterization. This allows the attacker to inject additional sql commands that execute with the privileges of the database user account used by the RunCMS application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables remote code execution capabilities, allowing attackers to perform unauthorized database operations such as data retrieval, modification, deletion, or even database schema enumeration. The attack vector requires no authentication and can be executed through standard web browser interactions, making it highly exploitable in real-world scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential business disruption. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and business-critical information stored within the RunCMS database. The vulnerability also enables attackers to modify or delete content, potentially causing reputational damage and operational downtime. Organizations using RunCMS systems with this vulnerability face significant risks including regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and potential legal consequences due to data breaches. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or network proximity, amplifying the attack surface and making detection and prevention more challenging.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1462 should focus on immediate patching of the RunCMS application to address the sql injection vulnerability in the sections module. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent user input from being interpreted as sql commands. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring database connections use accounts with minimal required permissions, limiting the potential damage from successful exploitation. Network-level protections including firewalls and web application firewalls should be configured to monitor and filter suspicious sql injection patterns. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. Additionally, implementing proper logging and monitoring systems can help detect exploitation attempts and provide forensic evidence for incident response activities. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of remote services through sql injection, and represents a fundamental security weakness that should be addressed through comprehensive application security measures rather than reactive patching approaches.