CVE-2008-2792 in eroCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in eroCMS 1.4 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the site parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2792 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the eroCMS content management system version 1.4 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the index.php file and specifically targets the site parameter handling mechanism, creating a significant security risk for affected systems. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data compromise, or complete system takeover. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the application's parameter processing logic, enabling malicious actors to inject malicious SQL code that bypasses normal security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits specially crafted input through the site parameter in the index.php script. Without proper sanitization or parameterized query handling, the application directly incorporates user-supplied data into SQL query construction, creating an injection point. This weakness aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a direct result of insufficient input validation and improper query construction. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially extracting sensitive information from the database, modifying or deleting records, or even gaining administrative access to the CMS. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require local system access or credentials to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-2792 extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable comprehensive system compromise and persistent access. Organizations running affected eroCMS versions face potential data breaches, loss of intellectual property, and reputational damage when this vulnerability is exploited. The attack surface is broad since the flaw affects the core CMS functionality and can be exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of SQL injection as a method for executing arbitrary code and gaining unauthorized access to database systems. The long-term implications include potential lateral movement within networks, as compromised CMS installations often serve as entry points for broader attacks. Additionally, successful exploitation can lead to the installation of backdoors, defacement of websites, and the use of compromised systems for malicious activities such as spam distribution or hosting malware.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2792 must focus on immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of eroCMS, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases through proper input validation and parameterized query implementation. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization techniques including parameterized queries, prepared statements, and comprehensive input validation. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications. The remediation process should also include reviewing and updating security policies, implementing proper access controls, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and intrusion detection systems to provide early warning of potential SQL injection attacks targeting their web applications.