CVE-2008-3720 in DMCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in DeeEmm CMS (DMCMS) 0.7.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the page parameter. NOTE: the id vector is already covered by CVE-2007-5679.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-3720 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the DeeEmm Content Management System version 0.7.4. This vulnerability specifically affects the index.php script and manifests through the page parameter, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and proper parameter sanitization, which are fundamental security measures that should prevent malicious SQL code from being interpreted by the database engine. The vulnerability exists in the application's handling of user-supplied input, where the page parameter is directly incorporated into SQL queries without adequate escaping or parameterization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows the standard SQL injection attack pattern where an attacker crafts malicious input that alters the intended SQL query structure. When the page parameter is processed by index.php, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before incorporating it into database queries, allowing attackers to inject additional SQL commands that execute with the privileges of the database user. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, which is classified as a high-severity weakness in the CWE dictionary. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it enables remote code execution capabilities, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the application environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can compromise the entire application infrastructure and potentially lead to full system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive user information, manipulate content management data, or establish persistent access points within the affected system. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. This weakness directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1190 which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, and T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected DMCMS version to the latest available release that addresses this SQL injection flaw. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring database user accounts have minimal required permissions, limiting the potential damage from successful exploitation. Additionally, web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious SQL patterns and malformed input attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities, with particular attention to input handling and database interaction patterns that align with the CWE-89 classification. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and the need for continuous security monitoring in web application environments.