CVE-2008-5321 in GesGaleri
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in GesGaleri, a module for XOOPS, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the no parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2024
The CVE-2008-5321 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the GesGaleri module for the XOOPS content management framework. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php file and exploits improper input validation mechanisms that fail to sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql query constructions. The flaw manifests through the 'no' parameter which serves as an entry point for malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands into the underlying database system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the module's failure to properly escape or parameterize user input values before executing database queries. When the 'no' parameter is processed by the index.php script, the application directly incorporates its value into sql statements without adequate sanitization measures. This creates an exploitable condition where remote attackers can manipulate the sql execution flow by injecting malicious sql syntax through the vulnerable parameter. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 classification for sql injection attacks, which represents one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws identified in the CWE database.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary commands on the database server. Successful exploitation could enable unauthorized users to extract sensitive information, modify database content, create new database accounts, or even escalate privileges within the application environment. Given that XOOPS is a widely deployed content management system, this vulnerability affects numerous websites and applications that utilize the GesGaleri module, potentially compromising thousands of digital assets. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, beginning with immediate patching of affected systems and updating to the latest versions of both the GesGaleri module and the XOOPS platform. Input validation and sanitization measures must be strengthened throughout the application to ensure all user-supplied data undergoes proper filtering before database processing. Additionally, database access controls should be reviewed to limit the privileges of application database accounts, ensuring that even if exploitation occurs, the attacker's capabilities remain restricted. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, emphasizing the importance of regular security assessments and maintaining up-to-date security patches. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious sql injection patterns and prevent exploitation attempts from reaching vulnerable applications.