CVE-2008-4524 in AdaptCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the "Check User" feature (includes/check_user.php) in AdaptCMS Lite and AdaptCMS Pro 1.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the user_name parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4524 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the AdaptCMS Lite and Pro 1.3 content management systems. This security weakness resides in the "Check User" feature located in the includes/check_user.php file, making it a prime target for remote attackers seeking to compromise the affected systems. The vulnerability specifically affects the user_name parameter, which is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization measures, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from improper handling of user input within the application's database interaction layer. When the user_name parameter is submitted through the Check User feature, the system directly incorporates this input into SQL query construction without appropriate escaping or parameterization techniques. This design oversight aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental weakness in application input validation and data handling. The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries by injecting malicious SQL code through the user_name parameter, potentially enabling unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of database contents, or complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with extensive control over the affected CMS installations. Remote exploitation of CVE-2008-4524 could enable attackers to extract administrative credentials, modify user accounts, inject malicious content, or even gain shell access to the underlying server infrastructure. The implications are particularly severe for content management systems where user authentication and authorization controls are critical for maintaining security boundaries. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could potentially escalate privileges, access confidential information, or disrupt services through unauthorized modifications to the CMS database structure and content.
Security mitigations for CVE-2008-4524 should prioritize immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries within the affected application components. Organizations should implement prepared statements or parameterized queries to ensure that user input is properly escaped and treated as data rather than executable code. Additionally, the application should enforce strict input sanitization measures, including character set validation, length restrictions, and pattern matching to prevent malicious payloads from being processed. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. The remediation process should also include comprehensive code review procedures to identify and address similar vulnerabilities throughout the application codebase, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 which addresses exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to maintain ongoing protection against similar threats in the evolving threat landscape.