CVE-2008-4180 in NooMS
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in db.php in NooMS 1.1 allows remote attackers to conduct brute force attacks against passwords via a username in the g_dbuser parameter and a password in the g_dbpwd parameter, and possibly a "localhost" g_dbhost parameter value, related to a "Mysql Remote Brute Force Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-4180 represents a critical authentication weakness in the NooMS 1.1 content management system where the db.php script fails to properly validate and sanitize user input parameters. This flaw creates an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to perform brute force password guessing attacks against the database authentication mechanism. The vulnerability specifically targets the g_dbuser, g_dbpwd, and g_dbhost parameters within the database connection configuration, where the username and password values are directly processed without adequate security controls or rate limiting mechanisms. The issue stems from the application's failure to implement proper input validation and authentication security measures, creating an environment where attackers can systematically test numerous username and password combinations against the database interface.
This vulnerability operates through a classic brute force attack vector where malicious actors can repeatedly submit database connection parameters to the vulnerable db.php script. The attacker can manipulate the g_dbuser parameter to specify target usernames and the g_dbpwd parameter to test various password combinations while potentially using "localhost" as the g_dbhost parameter value. The weakness lies in the application's lack of account lockout mechanisms, rate limiting, or other defensive controls that would normally prevent automated credential guessing attempts. This creates a scenario where attackers can systematically work through password dictionaries or generate random password combinations to gain unauthorized database access, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to access sensitive database content, modify or delete critical information, escalate privileges within the application, or use the compromised database credentials to pivot to other systems within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security posture of the NooMS 1.1 system by creating an open attack surface that allows remote unauthorized access to database resources. This weakness could result in data breaches, service disruption, and potential compliance violations depending on the nature of the data stored in the compromised database. Organizations using this vulnerable software face significant risk of unauthorized data access and system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive authentication security controls including account lockout mechanisms, rate limiting for authentication attempts, and proper input validation of all user-supplied parameters. Organizations should immediately update to patched versions of NooMS or implement network-level controls such as firewall rules to restrict access to database connection endpoints. The implementation of multi-factor authentication, strong password policies, and regular security audits can help reduce the risk of successful exploitation. Additionally, monitoring and logging of authentication attempts should be enabled to detect and respond to brute force attack patterns. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-307 Weak Password Management and relates to ATT&CK technique T1110 Brute Force, emphasizing the need for robust authentication security measures to prevent credential compromise through automated attack vectors.