CVE-2008-2679 in Realm
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the KeyWordsList function in _includes/inc_routines.asp in Realm CMS 2.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the kwrd parameter in a kwl action to the default URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2024
The CVE-2008-2679 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in Realm CMS 2.3 and earlier versions that fundamentally compromises the security posture of affected web applications. This vulnerability specifically targets the KeyWordsList function within the _includes/inc_routines.asp file, which serves as a core component for handling keyword-related operations in the content management system. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input passed through the kwrd parameter, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands directly into the database layer.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameter handling within the.asp scripting environment. When a remote attacker submits a specially crafted request containing malicious sql code in the kwrd parameter, the application processes this input without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms. This allows the attacker to manipulate the underlying sql query structure, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data, modifying database contents, or executing administrative commands. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates through the default URI endpoint, making it accessible without requiring specific authentication or privileged access. The kwl action parameter combined with the kwrd parameter creates a perfect storm for exploitation, as the application's routine processing logic directly incorporates user-supplied values into sql execution contexts without adequate protection measures.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability exposes organizations running Realm CMS 2.3 or earlier to severe security risks including data breaches, unauthorized data modification, and potential complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract confidential information such as user credentials, personal data, or business-sensitive records stored within the database. The vulnerability also enables attackers to escalate privileges within the application, potentially leading to full administrative control over the cms infrastructure. Given that this affects a content management system, the attack surface extends beyond simple data theft to include website defacement, malware injection, and disruption of business operations. The widespread adoption of Realm CMS in various organizations means that this vulnerability could impact numerous websites and applications across different sectors, creating a significant threat landscape for cybercriminals.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses in software applications, and demonstrates the classic pattern of insufficient input validation leading to command injection attacks. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control operations, credential access, and privilege escalation through exploitation of software vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and proper output encoding to prevent exploitation. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to Realm CMS versions that address this vulnerability, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts, and conducting comprehensive security testing to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application codebase. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that similar input validation flaws do not exist in other components of the web application infrastructure.