CVE-2008-4647 in sweetCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in sweetCMS 1.5.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the page parameter.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4647 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the sweetCMS content management system version 1.5.2. This security weakness resides in the index.php script where user input is improperly handled, specifically through the page parameter. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the application's database queries, potentially enabling complete system compromise. Such vulnerabilities fall under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities that occur when application code does not properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL commands.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input for the page parameter in the index.php script. When the application processes this input without adequate sanitization or parameterization, the injected SQL commands execute within the database context. This can result in unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, as well as potential privilege escalation. The remote nature of the attack means that an attacker does not require physical access to the system, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from any location with internet connectivity. The attack vector aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting web application vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent access. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive information, or disrupt service availability. The affected sweetCMS 1.5.2 version represents a legacy system that likely lacks modern security protections such as prepared statements or proper input validation. Organizations running this software face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory violations, and potential legal consequences due to the exposure of sensitive information. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and parameterized queries in preventing database injection attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4647 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper input sanitization and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase, specifically in the index.php script where the vulnerability exists. Organizations should upgrade to a supported version of sweetCMS that addresses this vulnerability, as version 1.5.2 is likely no longer maintained or patched. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls, database activity monitoring, and regular security assessments. The remediation process should follow industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for secure coding practices. Network segmentation and access controls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to limit potential exploitation impact while the primary vulnerability is addressed through code-level fixes and system upgrades.