CVE-2008-4345 in WebPortal
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in download.php in WebPortal CMS 0.7.4 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the aid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4345 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the WebPortal Content Management System version 074 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the download.php script which processes user input through the aid parameter without proper sanitization or validation. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious sql commands directly into the application's database layer, potentially enabling full database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation practices where user-supplied data is directly concatenated into sql queries without appropriate escaping or parameterization techniques. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities, and aligns with attack techniques documented in the attack tree framework under T1190 for exploitation of sql injection weaknesses. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying database server, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload targeting the aid parameter in the download.php script. The attacker can manipulate this parameter to inject sql code that bypasses normal authentication mechanisms and executes unauthorized database operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for remote code execution without requiring any prior authentication or privileged access. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive data including user credentials, database schema information, and application configuration details. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution threat under the attack technique framework, specifically mapping to T1071.004 for application layer protocol execution. The weakness in the application's input handling creates a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate the sql query execution flow, potentially leading to privilege escalation and persistent access to the target system.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4345 extends far beyond immediate data compromise, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the database infrastructure supporting the WebPortal CMS. Organizations using affected versions face significant risks including data breaches, unauthorized modifications to content, and potential service disruption. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that do not maintain proper network segmentation or intrusion detection measures. The exposure period for this vulnerability spans several years, indicating that many systems may remain unpatched and vulnerable to exploitation. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for advanced persistent threats, where attackers establish long-term access to the compromised systems. The vulnerability also impacts the overall security posture of organizations by potentially serving as a foothold for lateral movement within networks, particularly when database credentials are improperly secured or when the database server shares network resources with other critical systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4345 focus on immediate patching of the WebPortal CMS to versions that properly address the sql injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement input validation measures including parameterized queries and proper sql escaping techniques to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual sql query patterns and attempts to manipulate url parameters. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems. The remediation process should also include database access controls and privilege management to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized sql command execution and provide real-time alerts for suspicious activities. Compliance with security standards such as those outlined in the pci dss requirements for secure coding practices and regular vulnerability management helps ensure that similar vulnerabilities are prevented in the future. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing proper input validation controls in all web applications.