CVE-2008-2461 in Netious
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in Netious CMS 0.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the pageid parameter, a different vector than CVE-2006-4047.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2461 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Netious Content Management System version 0.4. This security weakness specifically targets the index.php script and exploits the pageid parameter to allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database. The vulnerability operates through a distinct attack vector compared to the previously identified CVE-2006-4047, indicating that attackers can leverage different pathways to compromise the system. This SQL injection vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, making it a classic example of database injection attacks that can lead to complete system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it enables unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within the CMS database, potentially exposing user credentials, content management information, and other confidential organizational data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize or validate user input received through the pageid parameter in the index.php script. When an attacker submits malicious SQL code through this parameter, the application incorporates this unsanitized input directly into SQL queries without adequate filtering or escaping mechanisms. This allows attackers to manipulate the intended database query execution, potentially enabling them to extract, modify, or delete database records. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet. The attack vector specifically targets the parameter handling within the CMS, where user-supplied data is directly used in database operations without proper input validation or parameterization techniques that are standard security practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise and unauthorized access to the underlying database infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, gain persistent access to the system, and potentially use the compromised CMS as a foothold for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's presence in a content management system creates additional risks as these platforms often contain sensitive organizational information, user management data, and potentially administrative credentials. Organizations running Netious CMS 0.4 are particularly vulnerable to attacks that could lead to data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations, especially when considering that such systems often serve as public-facing interfaces for content management and user interaction. The vulnerability's exploitation can also facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation, lateral movement, and data exfiltration that align with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1078 and T1046 categories.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2461 must focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should immediately upgrade to a patched version of Netious CMS or apply the relevant security patches provided by the vendor. The implementation of proper input sanitization techniques, including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries, should be enforced throughout the application codebase to eliminate the vulnerability. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the vulnerable CMS to unauthorized users. Security monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security testing of the application to identify and address similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions to provide additional layers of protection against SQL injection attacks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure that similar issues do not exist in other parts of the application or infrastructure, maintaining compliance with industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.