CVE-2008-2394 in Tagworx Cms
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in TAGWORX.CMS 3.00.02 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) cid parameter to contact.php and the (2) nid parameter to news.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2394 represents a critical security flaw in TAGWORX.CMS version 3.00.02 that exposes the system to remote SQL injection attacks. This issue affects two distinct input parameters within the content management system's web interface, creating pathways for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL query constructions. Attackers can exploit these weaknesses to inject malicious SQL code through specifically crafted requests targeting the contact.php and news.php scripts, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information or executing destructive operations on the database.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a fundamental flaw in application security where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL commands without proper escaping or parameterization. The cid parameter in contact.php and the nid parameter in news.php represent the primary attack vectors, as both are directly used in SQL query construction without adequate sanitization. This creates a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the database queries by injecting SQL syntax through these parameters, effectively bypassing authentication mechanisms and potentially escalating privileges within the system. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no local system access and can be exploited remotely through standard web browser interactions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, encompassing potential system compromise and data integrity violations. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract confidential information including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations from the database. Additionally, the vulnerability may allow for data modification or deletion operations, potentially leading to complete system compromise and service disruption. Organizations running TAGWORX.CMS 3.00.02 are particularly vulnerable as the flaw affects core functionality components that handle user interactions and content management. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit these vulnerabilities from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system, making the threat particularly widespread and difficult to contain.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2394 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected TAGWORX.CMS version, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped or sanitized before database interaction. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though these should not replace proper code-level fixes. The implementation of principle of least privilege access controls and regular security audits can help minimize the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. According to ATT&CK framework category T1190, this vulnerability maps to the exploitation of remote services through injection attacks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive application security measures. Regular vulnerability assessments and security monitoring should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all systems remain protected against similar vulnerabilities that may emerge in the future.