CVE-2008-2989 in HoMaP
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in HoMaP-CMS 0.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the go parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2024
The CVE-2008-2989 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the HoMaP-CMS 0.1 content management system that fundamentally compromises the security posture of affected installations. This vulnerability resides within the index.php script and specifically targets the go parameter, which serves as an entry point for attackers to manipulate database queries. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands directly into the application's database layer. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category of CWE-89 sql injection, which is classified as a high-risk vulnerability due to its potential for data breaches, privilege escalation, and complete system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application level where user-supplied input transitions directly into sql command execution without proper parameterization or input filtering mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, creating multiple attack vectors for threat actors seeking to exploit the system. Remote attackers can leverage the go parameter to execute unauthorized database operations including but not limited to data extraction, modification, deletion, and potentially even privilege escalation within the database environment. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, enabling them to exploit the flaw from anywhere on the internet. This characteristic aligns with the attack technique described in the mitre att&ck framework under the T1071.004 application layer protocol category, where attackers utilize web application vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations running legacy versions of HoMaP-CMS, as version 0.1 represents an outdated release that likely lacks modern security protections and patch management capabilities.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2008-2989 requires minimal sophistication and can be accomplished through standard sql injection techniques such as payload injection, union-based queries, or time-based blind injection methods. Attackers typically construct malicious payloads that manipulate the go parameter to bypass normal input validation, ultimately resulting in unauthorized sql command execution. The vulnerability's persistence in the application's codebase demonstrates a critical failure in secure coding practices and highlights the importance of input validation, parameterized queries, and regular security assessments. Organizations affected by this vulnerability face significant risks including data loss, unauthorized access to sensitive information, potential system compromise, and compliance violations. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution risk within the context of database systems makes it particularly dangerous as it can lead to complete system takeover if proper database security measures are not implemented.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2989 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks, which aligns with the secure coding practices recommended in the owasp top ten project. Organizations should upgrade to patched versions of HoMaP-CMS or migrate to more secure, actively maintained content management systems. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls, database activity monitoring, and regular security penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing proper access controls, including least privilege principles for database accounts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential sql injection points within their applications and establish robust incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts. Given the age of the affected software, organizations should consider migrating to modern cms platforms that provide built-in protection against sql injection attacks and maintain regular security updates to address emerging threats.