CVE-2008-4047 in Novell
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Novell Forum (formerly SiteScape Forum) 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, and 8.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary TCL code via a modified URL. NOTE: this might overlap CVE-2007-6515.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4047 represents a critical security flaw in Novell Forum software versions 7.0 through 8.0, including intermediate versions 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's handling of web requests, specifically when processing URL parameters that are intended for TCL script execution. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious TCL code through manipulated URL structures, effectively bypassing normal application security controls and gaining unauthorized access to the underlying system functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the application layer where user-supplied URL parameters are not properly sanitized or validated before being processed by the TCL interpreter. When a modified URL containing malicious TCL commands is submitted to the forum application, the system fails to distinguish between legitimate user input and malicious code injection attempts. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability pattern that falls under CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" in software applications. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal prerequisites since it operates over standard HTTP protocols without requiring authentication or privileged access.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4047 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential complete system compromise and data breaches. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary TCL commands with the privileges of the web application process, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data, system file manipulation, and even complete server takeover. The affected Novell Forum versions were widely deployed in enterprise environments, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could be exploited against numerous organizational systems simultaneously. Attackers could use the vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate confidential information, or disrupt business operations through denial-of-service conditions.
Organizations utilizing affected Novell Forum versions should implement immediate mitigations including applying available vendor patches and updates, implementing web application firewalls to filter suspicious URL parameters, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of their deployed systems. The vulnerability's overlap with CVE-2007-6515 suggests a broader pattern of insecure input handling within the SiteScape Forum product line, warranting additional scrutiny of related components. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit potential attack surface, while security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous URL patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving code injection and privilege escalation, with potential for lateral movement through compromised systems and data collection activities.