CVE-2008-4785 in Alternate Profiles Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in newuser.php in the alternate_profiles plugin, possibly 0.2, for e107 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2024
The CVE-2008-4785 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the alternate_profiles plugin version 0.2 for the e107 content management system. This vulnerability specifically targets the newuser.php script which handles user registration processes. The flaw occurs when the id parameter is passed directly into sql queries without proper sanitization or validation, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors to manipulate database operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands, potentially leading to complete database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive user information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the plugin's user registration functionality. When users navigate to the newuser.php page and provide an id parameter, the system fails to properly escape or parameterize this input before incorporating it into sql queries. This classic sql injection pattern enables attackers to inject malicious sql code that gets executed within the database context. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services through sql injection attacks. The attack vector is remote and requires no authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the vulnerable website.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise where attackers gain read access to all stored user credentials, personal information, and potentially administrative accounts. The vulnerability also opens pathways for data manipulation, allowing attackers to modify or delete user records, inject malicious content, or even escalate privileges within the system. Additionally, the compromise of user data could lead to identity theft, account takeover attacks, and potential lateral movement within network environments where the affected e107 system may be integrated. Organizations using this vulnerable plugin face significant risk of reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and potential legal consequences due to data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4785 should prioritize immediate patching of the alternate_profiles plugin to version 0.3 or later, which contains the necessary sql injection protections. System administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in database queries. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application to prevent direct sql command concatenation. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other plugins or components. Organizations should also consider implementing least privilege database access controls and regular database backups to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper sql query construction in preventing remote code execution attacks.