CVE-2008-4653 in makale
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in makale.php in Makale 0.26 and possibly other versions, a module for XOOPS, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4653 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the makale.php script of Makale 0.26, a module designed for the XOOPS content management framework. This vulnerability exposes the system to remote code execution risks through improper input validation mechanisms that fail to sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The flaw specifically manifests through the id parameter, which serves as the primary attack vector for malicious actors seeking to manipulate database operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a code injection technique that occurs when user input is directly concatenated into SQL command strings without proper sanitization or parameterization. The makale.php script fails to implement adequate input validation or prepared statement usage, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL syntax through the id parameter. This weakness enables unauthorized individuals to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive database information, modify or delete records, and potentially gain full administrative control over the affected XOOPS installation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations utilizing the affected XOOPS module, as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands without requiring authentication credentials. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise, particularly when the database user account possesses elevated privileges. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate their privileges, create backdoor accounts, and establish persistent access to the compromised environment. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target the system from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically involves crafting malicious SQL payloads that manipulate the id parameter to inject additional SQL commands. These payloads can be designed to perform various malicious operations including but not limited to data extraction, database schema enumeration, and command execution. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects not just version 0.26 but potentially other versions of the Makale module, indicating a widespread issue within the codebase that may have been overlooked during the development lifecycle.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and the principle of least privilege for database accounts. The recommended approach involves sanitizing all user inputs, particularly those used in database queries, and implementing prepared statements to separate SQL code from data. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be deployed to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. Regular security audits and code reviews are essential to identify similar vulnerabilities within the broader XOOPS ecosystem and prevent future incidents. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the need for proper application hardening and regular patch management processes to prevent exploitation.