CVE-2008-2124 in fipsCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in modules/print.asp in fipsASP fipsCMS allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the lg parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2124 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the fipsASP fipsCMS content management system, specifically affecting the modules/print.asp component. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the lg parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the application's database query execution pipeline, potentially compromising the entire backend database infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the fipsCMS application where the lg parameter value is directly concatenated into SQL queries without appropriate escaping or parameterization. This design flaw aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities arising from insufficient input sanitization. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through web-based attacks, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no local system access or privileged accounts to exploit. Attackers can manipulate the lg parameter to inject malicious SQL syntax that alters the intended query execution flow, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to escalate privileges within the database environment, extract sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, or confidential business information, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the affected system. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target the vulnerable system from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication. This vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire fipsCMS deployment, potentially compromising multiple websites or applications that rely on the same database infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it targets the core printing module functionality that may be accessed by legitimate users, making the exploitation less obvious and more difficult to detect.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks, along with comprehensive code review and sanitization of all user input parameters. Organizations should implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection patterns, and establish proper access controls and database permissions to limit the potential damage from successful attacks. The fix requires replacing direct string concatenation of user input with proper parameterized SQL queries or stored procedures, which is consistent with recommended practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework for preventing SQL injection attacks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other application components, and security patches should be applied promptly to address known vulnerabilities in third-party software components.