CVE-2008-4701 in Liberia
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in admin.php in Libera CMS 1.12, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the libera_staff_user cookie parameter, a different vector than CVE-2008-4700. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-4701 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Libera CMS 1.12 content management system. This security weakness specifically targets the administrative interface through the admin.php script, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized database operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates under conditions where the server configuration lacks the protective measures typically provided by magic_quotes_gpc functionality. When this PHP configuration option is disabled, the system fails to automatically escape special characters in incoming data, leaving the application susceptible to crafted malicious inputs that can be directly interpreted as SQL commands by the database engine.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the libera_staff_user cookie parameter, which is processed within the admin.php administrative script. This particular attack vector differs from CVE-2008-4700, indicating that multiple pathways exist for compromising the same vulnerable system. The flaw resides in the application's insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms, where user-provided data from the cookie is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper escaping or parameterization. This primitive approach to database interaction creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious SQL code that executes with the privileges of the database user account under which the CMS operates.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate their access within the compromised system. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise, including unauthorized access to user credentials, content manipulation, data exfiltration, and potentially system compromise through database-level attacks. The vulnerability's location within the administrative interface means that attackers who can establish a foothold through this vector gain access to powerful administrative functions, potentially allowing them to modify website content, add malicious users, or even install backdoors for persistent access. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where the CMS is used for managing sensitive organizational or personal information.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) framework, where it aligns with CWE-89, which describes SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this as a technique involving command injection within the database layer, potentially leading to privilege escalation and lateral movement within compromised environments. Mitigation strategies should include immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks, along with ensuring that magic_quotes_gpc is properly configured or that applications implement robust sanitization routines. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring of cookie-based access patterns can help detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts, while regular security audits should verify that all application components properly handle user input to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.