CVE-2008-3420 in Mobius Web Publishing Software
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Mobius for Mimsy XG 1 1.4.4.1 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) the id parameter to browse.php or (2) the s parameter in an exhibitions action to detail.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-3420 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting Mobius for Mimsy XG 1 1.4.4.1 and earlier versions of the web application. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of user-supplied input parameters, specifically targeting two distinct entry points that process data without proper sanitization or validation mechanisms. The affected parameters include the id parameter in browse.php and the s parameter during exhibitions actions in detail.php, both of which are susceptible to malicious input that can manipulate the underlying database queries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of HTTP request parameters that are directly incorporated into SQL query construction without adequate input filtering or parameterized query usage. When an attacker supplies malicious SQL code through either the id or s parameter, the application fails to properly escape or validate the input before executing database operations. This flaw enables attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands that execute within the context of the database connection, potentially allowing full database access, data manipulation, or unauthorized data retrieval. The vulnerability maps to CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications where user input is improperly handled in database queries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise through database-level attacks. Attackers can leverage these injection points to extract sensitive information from the database, modify existing records, create new database entries, or even escalate privileges within the database environment. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web-facing applications. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications to gain unauthorized access to systems and data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query usage throughout the application codebase. The most effective remediation involves replacing direct string concatenation of user input with parameterized queries or prepared statements that separate SQL command structure from data values. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization, output encoding, and least privilege database access controls can significantly reduce the attack surface. Regular security testing including automated vulnerability scanning and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other application components. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to database security best practices as outlined in industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.