CVE-2008-2180 in cpLinks
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in cpLinks 1.03, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) admin_username parameter (aka the username field) to admin/index.php and the (2) search_text and (3) search_category parameters to search.php. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2180 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in cpLinks version 1.03 that exploits the absence of proper input validation mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically targets web applications where the magic_quotes_gpc directive is disabled, creating an environment where malicious SQL commands can be injected through carefully crafted user inputs. The flaw exists within the cpLinks content management system's administrative and search functionalities, making it a significant threat to web application security. The vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-89, which categorizes it as a SQL injection weakness that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through unvalidated input fields.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through three distinct attack vectors that target different input parameters within the cpLinks application. The first vector involves the admin_username parameter, which is processed through the admin/index.php endpoint, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the username field during administrative authentication attempts. The second and third vectors target the search_text and search_category parameters respectively within the search.php file, enabling attackers to manipulate search queries and potentially execute unauthorized database operations. These attack vectors demonstrate how the vulnerability extends across multiple application modules, increasing the potential impact and attack surface. The exploitation becomes possible because the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user inputs before incorporating them into database queries, which directly violates secure coding practices recommended by the Open Web Application Security Project.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-2180 is severe and multifaceted, as successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the affected database server. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from the database, including user credentials, personal data, and application configuration details. The ability to execute arbitrary commands opens possibilities for data modification, deletion, or unauthorized access to administrative functions within the cpLinks system. This vulnerability can also serve as a stepping stone for further attacks, potentially allowing threat actors to escalate privileges, gain persistence within the system, or use the compromised application as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network infrastructure. The attack can be executed entirely remotely without requiring any local system access, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2180 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms throughout the application code, particularly in the identified vulnerable parameters. Developers should employ parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks, as recommended by the ATT&CK framework for defensive measures against command injection techniques. Additionally, enabling the magic_quotes_gpc directive or implementing equivalent input sanitization measures at the application level can provide temporary protection. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns, while regularly monitoring database logs for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar weaknesses across all application components, particularly in legacy systems that may lack modern security controls.