CVE-2008-4786 in EasyShop plugin
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in easyshop.php in the EasyShop plugin for e107 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the category_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2024
The CVE-2008-4786 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the EasyShop plugin for the e107 content management system. This vulnerability specifically affects the easyshop.php script and exposes the application to remote code execution through improper input validation. The flaw occurs when the category_id parameter is processed without adequate sanitization, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands that can be executed against the underlying database. The vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into sql queries, creating an avenue for attackers to manipulate database operations and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common sql injection patterns identified under CWE-89, which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands as a fundamental weakness in application security. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates at the database level, where successful exploitation can result in complete database compromise including data extraction, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability exists in the EasyShop plugin version 0.7.3 and earlier, making it a widespread concern for e107 installations that have not updated to patched versions. The specific parameter category_id serves as the injection point where malicious sql payloads can be inserted, potentially bypassing authentication mechanisms and allowing attackers to escalate privileges within the application's database context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the database server and potentially gain further access to the underlying system. This type of vulnerability provides attackers with the capability to manipulate user accounts, modify product listings, and extract sensitive customer information such as credit card details or personal identification data. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for online commerce applications where e107 with EasyShop plugin is commonly deployed. Organizations using this plugin face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential financial losses due to unauthorized access to their databases and customer information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4786 should prioritize immediate patching of the EasyShop plugin to version 0.7.4 or later, which includes proper input validation and sql injection prevention measures. System administrators should implement proper parameterized queries and prepared statements to prevent sql injection attacks, following the recommendations outlined in the OWASP top ten security risks and the ATT&CK framework's database access techniques. Additional protective measures include input validation at multiple layers, including application-level filtering, database user privilege restrictions, and network-based intrusion detection systems. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other plugins or components of the e107 platform. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping all third-party components updated and implementing proper security monitoring to detect and respond to exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to provide additional protection against sql injection attacks targeting the affected parameter and other common attack vectors.