CVE-2008-2796 in FreeCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in FreeCMS 0.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2796 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the FreeCMS 0.2 content management system, specifically affecting the index.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the page parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious sql commands directly into the application's database query execution flow, potentially compromising the entire backend database infrastructure.
This vulnerability manifests as a classic sql injection attack vector where the page parameter in index.php fails to properly escape or parameterize user input before incorporating it into sql queries. When an attacker submits malicious input through this parameter, the application's sql parser interprets the injected commands as legitimate sql syntax rather than data, allowing unauthorized execution of arbitrary database operations. The vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to perform complete database compromise operations including data modification, deletion, or unauthorized access to sensitive information. Remote attackers could potentially escalate privileges within the cms environment, extract user credentials, modify content, or even establish persistent backdoors through database manipulation. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the cms system, representing a significant threat to organizations relying on FreeCMS 0.2 for content management.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a prime example of insufficient input validation and improper sql query construction practices that violate fundamental secure coding principles. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability operates entirely through web-based interactions without requiring local system access or elevated privileges. Mitigation strategies should include immediate implementation of proper parameterized queries, input sanitization, and output encoding practices. Organizations using FreeCMS 0.2 should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with attack techniques documented in the attack pattern taxonomy under the broader category of sql injection attacks and demonstrates the critical importance of defensive coding practices in preventing database-level compromise scenarios.
The remediation approach must address the root cause by implementing proper sql parameterization techniques and input validation mechanisms. This includes replacing direct string concatenation in sql queries with prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate sql command structure from data input. Additionally, comprehensive input filtering should be implemented to reject or sanitize potentially malicious characters and sequences that could be used in sql injection attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their cms installations to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components or modules that may be susceptible to the same class of attacks.