CVE-2008-2135 in ezContents
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in VisualShapers ezContents 2.0.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) contentname parameter to showdetails.php and the (2) article parameter to printer.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2135 represents a critical security flaw in VisualShapers ezContents version 2.0.0, a content management system that was widely deployed in web environments during that era. This vulnerability manifests as multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities that collectively expose the application to remote code execution risks. The specific attack vectors target two distinct input parameters within different script files, creating multiple entry points for malicious actors to exploit the underlying database communication mechanisms. The presence of these vulnerabilities in widely used content management systems underscores the critical importance of input validation and secure coding practices in web application development.
The technical flaw in question stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input parameters within the ezContents application. When the contentname parameter is passed to showdetails.php without proper validation or escaping, the application directly incorporates this input into SQL query construction without appropriate protection mechanisms. Similarly, the article parameter in printer.php exhibits the same vulnerability pattern, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL constructs that bypass normal input filtering. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The vulnerability operates by manipulating the SQL query structure through specially crafted input that alters the intended execution flow of database operations, potentially enabling attackers to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even execute administrative commands on the underlying database system.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-2135 extends far beyond simple data corruption or information disclosure. Remote attackers who successfully exploit these vulnerabilities can gain unauthorized access to the entire database backend that powers the ezContents application, potentially accessing sensitive user information, administrative credentials, and other confidential data stored within the system. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it allows for complete database compromise without requiring authentication to the application itself. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the exploitation of vulnerabilities in applications to gain unauthorized access to systems. The implications for organizations using this version of ezContents are severe, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data breaches, and potential regulatory compliance violations that could result in significant financial and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures to protect against SQL injection attacks. The primary recommendation involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase, ensuring that all user-supplied input is properly escaped or sanitized before being incorporated into database operations. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns in real-time traffic. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version that addresses these specific vulnerabilities, as VisualShapers would have likely released security updates to resolve these issues. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, while implementing principle of least privilege for database accounts to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding guidelines and conducting thorough security testing during the software development lifecycle to prevent such issues from reaching production environments.