CVE-2008-2921 in EZCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in EZTechhelp EZCMS 1.2 and earlier 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-2008-2921 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the EZTechhelp EZCMS content management system version 1.2 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects the index.php script and manifests through improper input validation of the page parameter, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands on the underlying database server. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into sql query constructs, which directly violates fundamental secure coding principles and industry standards such as those outlined in cwe-89 sql injection.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input for the page parameter that gets directly embedded into sql queries without adequate sanitization. This allows threat actors to manipulate the sql execution flow and potentially gain unauthorized access to database contents, modify or delete information, or even escalate privileges within the database environment. The remote nature of this attack vector means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in web-facing applications. According to attack technique frameworks such as mitre attack, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving command injection and credential access through database exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-2921 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data corruption, or unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the cms database. Organizations running affected versions of EZCMS face significant risk of unauthorized data access, potential service disruption, and possible regulatory compliance violations depending on the nature of data stored within the vulnerable system. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions of the cms indicates a fundamental design flaw that was not adequately addressed in the software development lifecycle, highlighting the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of several security measures including upgrading to a patched version of EZCMS if available, implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries, and applying web application firewalls to filter malicious sql injection attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities and establish robust input sanitization routines. The remediation process should include implementing proper database access controls, limiting database user privileges, and establishing monitoring mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of regular security updates in maintaining robust cybersecurity postures. The flaw demonstrates how basic input validation failures can create severe security implications that affect entire database ecosystems and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the software development lifecycle.