CVE-2008-2487 in MAXSITE
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in MAXSITE 1.10 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the category parameter in a webboard action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2487 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the MAXSITE content management system version 1.10 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects the index.php file when processing webboard actions, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database infrastructure. The flaw manifests through the category parameter which is not properly sanitized or validated before being incorporated into SQL query constructions. This allows remote attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the application's database layer, potentially enabling complete database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a severe input validation issue where untrusted data is directly concatenated into SQL commands without proper sanitization. The exploitation occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious category parameter value that alters the intended SQL query execution flow. This typically involves injecting SQL syntax such as union select statements, or using techniques like boolean-based or time-based blind SQL injection to extract data or execute commands. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local system access or authentication credentials to leverage this flaw, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-2487 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract all database contents including user credentials, personal information, and application configuration data. The vulnerability also presents opportunities for attackers to modify or delete database records, potentially disrupting service availability and integrity. In enterprise environments, this could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, compromise of user accounts, and potential use as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the webboard functionality specifically, which may contain user-generated content, forum discussions, and potentially sensitive information shared through the platform.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the MAXSITE application to version 1.11 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Input validation and sanitization measures must be implemented to ensure all parameters passed to database queries are properly escaped or use parameterized queries. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring database accounts used by the web application have minimal required permissions and access rights. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can help identify and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications and systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the importance of securing externally accessible web applications and implementing proper input validation controls. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts.