CVE-2008-4159 in CMS lite
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in Jaw Portal and Zanfi CMS lite and allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the page (pageid) parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The CVE-2008-4159 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw discovered in the Jaw Portal and Zanfi CMS lite content management systems. This vulnerability specifically affects the index.php script where the page parameter is processed without proper input sanitization, creating an exploitable condition that enables remote attackers to inject malicious sql commands. The vulnerability resides in the web application's parameter handling mechanism, where user-supplied input from the pageid parameter is directly incorporated into sql queries without adequate validation or escaping.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation practices within the cms applications. When the pageid parameter is submitted through the page parameter, the application fails to implement proper sql escaping or parameterized query construction. This allows malicious actors to manipulate the sql query execution flow by injecting sql metacharacters and commands that bypass normal input restrictions. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where user input transitions directly into database query execution contexts, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring authentication or special privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4159 extends beyond simple data theft, as remote attackers can potentially gain complete control over the affected database systems. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion of sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations. The vulnerability also enables attackers to escalate privileges within the database environment, potentially leading to full system compromise. Given that these cms platforms are commonly used for web publishing and content management, the attack surface is significant as they often contain valuable organizational data and serve as entry points for broader network infiltration attempts.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and proper sql escaping mechanisms to address this vulnerability. The fix requires modifying the index.php script to sanitize all user inputs through proper validation routines and implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate sql commands from data. Additionally, access controls should be strengthened to limit database access permissions and implement proper logging mechanisms to detect unauthorized sql injection attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploit via sql injection, emphasizing the need for comprehensive application security hardening measures.
Organizations utilizing Jaw Portal or Zanfi CMS lite systems should prioritize immediate patching of this vulnerability as it represents a persistent threat vector that attackers can leverage for extended periods. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that systems can be compromised without physical access, making it particularly dangerous in environments with limited security monitoring. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be implemented to identify similar injection vulnerabilities within other application components, as this flaw demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in preventing database-level attacks that can lead to complete system compromise and data breaches.