CVE-2008-1715 in AuraCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in content/user.php in AuraCMS 2.2.1 and earlier, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the country parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1715 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within AuraCMS version 2.2.1 and earlier installations. This security weakness specifically targets the content/user.php script, which processes user-related data within the content management system. The vulnerability arises when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, creating an environment where user input is not automatically escaped before being processed by the database engine. This configuration setting, when turned off, leaves applications susceptible to malicious input manipulation that can bypass standard security measures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the country parameter within the content/user.php script. Attackers can craft malicious SQL commands by injecting specially formatted input into this parameter, which then gets executed against the underlying database without proper sanitization. This allows unauthorized individuals to perform arbitrary SQL operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability specifically leverages the absence of input validation and sanitization mechanisms that would normally protect against such attacks, making it particularly dangerous in environments where magic_quotes_gpc is disabled.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with comprehensive database access capabilities. Successful exploitation enables attackers to extract sensitive user information, including credentials, personal data, and potentially administrative access details. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit it, making it a significant threat to web applications. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a classic example of how insecure input handling can lead to complete system compromise. The attack vector follows typical patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 technique for exploitation of remote services.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of AuraCMS that properly handles input validation and sanitization. Organizations should ensure that magic_quotes_gpc is either enabled or that proper input sanitization is implemented at the application level. Additionally, implementing proper parameterized queries or prepared statements would effectively prevent SQL injection attacks by separating SQL command structure from data values. Database access controls should be reviewed to limit the privileges of database accounts used by the web application, ensuring that even if an attack succeeds, the damage remains contained. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the entire application stack.