CVE-2008-5320 in e107
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in usersettings.php in e107 0.7.13 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the ue[] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2024
The CVE-2008-5320 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the e107 content management system version 0.7.13 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically targets the usersettings.php script which handles user profile management functionality within the platform. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, particularly affecting the ue[] parameter that processes user extension data during profile modifications. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can manipulate the sql query execution flow by injecting malicious sql commands through the vulnerable parameter, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the underlying database system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of user input within the sql query construction process. When authenticated users submit data through the user settings interface, the system fails to properly escape or parameterize the ue[] array values before incorporating them into sql statements. This creates an environment where maliciously crafted input can alter the intended sql query structure, allowing attackers to inject additional sql commands that execute with the privileges of the database user account. The vulnerability is classified under cwe-89 as sql injection, which is a well-documented weakness in application security where sql commands are not properly sanitized or parameterized.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to e107 installations as it requires only authenticated access to exploit. Since attackers need only valid user credentials to leverage this flaw, the attack surface is considerably broadened compared to vulnerabilities requiring administrative privileges or public exploitation. Successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise including data theft, unauthorized user account creation, modification of existing user permissions, and potential lateral movement within the affected system. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers can manipulate user profiles to establish persistence mechanisms or create backdoor accounts.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of security patches provided by e107 developers or by upgrading to versions containing the necessary fixes. The recommended mitigation strategy involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase, particularly in areas handling user-supplied data. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious sql injection patterns, while conducting thorough security assessments of similar applications that may be vulnerable to the same class of flaw. This vulnerability aligns with attack techniques documented in the mitre att&ck framework under the command and control and credential access domains, emphasizing the importance of proper input sanitization and privilege separation in web application security.