CVE-2008-4154 in webEdition CMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in living-e webEdition CMS allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the we_objectID parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The CVE-2008-4154 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the living-e webEdition content management system that exposes remote attackers to arbitrary code execution capabilities. This vulnerability specifically targets the we_objectID parameter, which serves as an entry point for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input sequences. The flaw resides in the application's insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql payloads that bypass normal security controls and directly interact with the underlying database infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows established patterns of sql injection attacks where the we_objectID parameter fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql query constructions. When an attacker submits malicious input through this parameter, the application processes the data without adequate sanitization, enabling the injection of additional sql commands that execute with the privileges of the database user account. This vulnerability maps directly to cwe-89 sql injection weakness category and aligns with attack techniques documented in the mitre att&ck framework under the execution and privilege escalation domains. The flaw demonstrates poor input handling practices that violate fundamental secure coding principles and database security best practices.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4154 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive organizational information. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract confidential data, modify database records, create new user accounts with elevated privileges, or even escalate their access to system-level operations. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access or local system credentials to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for web-based applications. Organizations running affected webEdition cms versions face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential system downtime. The vulnerability also provides attackers with a persistent foothold for further exploitation attempts against network infrastructure and connected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4154 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. Organizations should prioritize applying vendor patches and updates to eliminate the vulnerable code paths within the webEdition cms. Implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries serves as essential defensive measures that prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future application development cycles. Database access controls should be reviewed and hardened to limit the privileges granted to application accounts, following the principle of least privilege. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar input validation weaknesses across the entire application portfolio. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security controls and demonstrates how legacy systems can pose significant risks when not properly maintained and patched according to industry standards and best practices.