CVE-2008-3254 in preCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in preCMS 1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter in a UserProfil action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3254 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the preCMS 1 content management system that exposes the application to remote code execution risks. This vulnerability specifically affects the index.php script and manifests through the UserProfil action when processing the id parameter, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql command structures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common sql injection patterns documented in the mitre cwe database under cwe-89, which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands as a primary weakness. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious payloads that append additional sql statements to the id parameter, potentially bypassing authentication mechanisms, extracting sensitive data from the database, or even modifying database contents. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where user input directly influences sql query construction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring prior authentication or elevated privileges.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations relying on preCMS 1 systems as it enables remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to database resources and potentially compromise the entire web application infrastructure. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include potential system compromise, service disruption, and regulatory compliance violations. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability exists in a core application file that handles user profile data, making it accessible through standard web browsing activities without requiring specialized tools or techniques. This exposure creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by automated scanning tools and manual attackers alike.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3254 should prioritize immediate patching of the preCMS 1 application to address the sql injection vulnerability through proper input validation and parameterized query implementations. Organizations should implement web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious sql injection patterns, while also establishing robust input sanitization routines that prevent special sql characters from being processed as commands. The implementation of principle of least privilege access controls and database query logging can provide additional layers of protection and detection capabilities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other application components, with adherence to secure coding practices that prevent sql injection vulnerabilities through proper parameterization and input validation mechanisms. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against sql injection attacks as outlined in the mitre attack framework's execution and credential access phases.