CVE-2008-1990 in Acidcat
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Acidcat CMS 3.4.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) cID parameter to default.asp and the (2) username parameter to main_login2.asp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1990 represents a critical security flaw in Acidcat CMS version 3.4.1 that exposes the application to remote SQL injection attacks. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the web application's database interaction layers. The flaw affects two distinct endpoints within the CMS architecture, creating multiple attack vectors that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized access to the underlying database infrastructure. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. These issues arise from the application's failure to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL query constructs.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through two primary attack vectors that demonstrate poor input handling practices. The first vector targets the cID parameter in default.asp, while the second targets the username parameter in main_login2.asp. Both parameters are directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code that executes with the privileges of the database user account. This type of vulnerability enables attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data retrieval, modification, deletion, and potentially even privilege escalation within the database environment. The attack requires no special privileges or authentication to initiate, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely by anyone with access to the vulnerable web application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it provides attackers with extensive control over the application's database backend. Successful exploitation could result in complete database infiltration, allowing threat actors to extract sensitive information, modify application data, or even gain access to other systems within the network through database links. The vulnerability also enables attackers to potentially escalate privileges and establish persistent access to the affected system. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1071.004 sub-technique for application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting web application interfaces. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage this weakness from any location without requiring physical access to the server infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1990 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to a patched version of Acidcat CMS that addresses these SQL injection vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns, while ensuring that all user inputs are properly sanitized before database interaction. Database access controls should be reviewed and restricted to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing proper error handling that does not expose database structure information to end users helps prevent information leakage that could aid further attacks. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper input validation as outlined in industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.