CVE-2008-3027 in VanGogh Web CMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in get_article.php in VanGogh Web CMS 0.9 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the article_ID parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3027 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the VanGogh Web CMS version 0.9, specifically affecting the get_article.php component. This vulnerability manifests through the article_ID parameter in the index.php file, creating an exploitable condition that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the CMS's article retrieval functionality, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the SQL query execution flow through crafted input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by constructing malicious SQL payloads that bypass normal input filtering mechanisms and directly influence the database query structure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the database interaction layer, where successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise including data exfiltration, unauthorized data modification, or even complete system takeover depending on the database user privileges. The attack vector is remote and requires no authentication, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking automated exploitation opportunities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges within the CMS environment and potentially gain access to administrative functions. Database administrators face significant risk of unauthorized data manipulation, including deletion of content, modification of user credentials, and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the CMS database. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of all content managed through the VanGogh Web CMS, potentially compromising not just the website's data but also any associated user accounts or system configurations that rely on the database for authentication and authorization functions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query construction throughout the CMS codebase. The recommended approach involves implementing strict input sanitization routines that filter or escape special characters commonly used in SQL injection attacks, combined with the adoption of prepared statements or parameterized queries to ensure that user input cannot alter the intended SQL query structure. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and database user privilege management can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Security patches should be applied immediately to upgrade to a patched version of the VanGogh Web CMS, while network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of their CMS installations to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across their web applications, following the ATT&CK framework's guidance for preventing and detecting SQL injection attacks through proper input validation and query sanitization practices.