CVE-2008-4433 in MiniShop module
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in search.php in the RMSOFT MiniShop module 1.0 for Xoops might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the itemsxpag parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2017
The CVE-2008-4433 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the RMSOFT MiniShop module version 1.0 for Xoops content management framework. This vulnerability specifically targets the search.php script where the itemsxpag parameter fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before incorporating it into sql query construction. The flaw exists in the module's handling of search functionality where malicious actors can manipulate the itemsxpag parameter to inject arbitrary sql commands into the backend database queries. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of sql injection, which is classified as a severe weakness in software security architecture that allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and execute unauthorized database operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any internet-facing system running the vulnerable module.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing sql injection characters within the itemsxpag parameter value. The vulnerable code likely concatenates user input directly into sql statements without proper parameterization or input sanitization, creating an environment where attacker-controlled sql fragments can be executed within the database context. This flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices and violates fundamental security principles of defensive programming. The attack vector operates through standard http requests where the attacker can manipulate the search functionality to inject sql commands that may extract sensitive data, modify database records, or even execute system commands depending on the underlying database system and permissions granted to the database user account. The vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the mitre att&ck framework under the command and control phase where adversaries establish persistent access through database manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4433 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and data integrity violations. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to customer information, financial data, and other sensitive records stored within the MiniShop module database. Attackers could potentially escalate privileges by exploiting the sql injection to gain deeper access to the underlying xoops platform and potentially the entire server infrastructure. The vulnerability affects any system running xoops with the RMSOFT MiniShop module version 1.0, making it particularly concerning for web applications that rely on this content management system for e-commerce functionality. Organizations may experience significant business disruption including data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage. The vulnerability also represents a persistent threat that remains exploitable as long as the vulnerable module remains installed and active on the system, creating ongoing security risk management challenges for administrators.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries within the search.php script to prevent user input from being directly incorporated into sql statements. Security patches should be applied immediately to upgrade to the fixed version of the RMSOFT MiniShop module or to implement custom code modifications that properly sanitize all user inputs. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts. Regular security auditing and code review practices should be established to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the xoops platform. Additionally, system administrators should monitor database logs for suspicious activity and implement proper access controls to limit database user privileges. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and following secure coding practices that align with industry standards such as owasp top 10 and the iso 27001 information security management framework.