CVE-2008-5336 in WebStudio CMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in WebStudio CMS allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the pageid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2024
The CVE-2008-5336 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the WebStudio Content Management System that exposes the application to remote code execution risks. This vulnerability specifically affects the index.php script where the pageid parameter is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization measures. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands directly into the application's database layer through carefully crafted malicious requests. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or parameterize user-supplied input before incorporating it into sql query constructions, creating an exploitable path for attackers to manipulate the underlying database operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common sql injection attack patterns that fall under the CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands. The pageid parameter in index.php serves as the attack vector where unvalidated input flows directly into sql execution contexts without proper sanitization. This creates a condition where an attacker can inject malicious sql payloads that bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive data, modify database records, or even execute system commands depending on the database configuration and privileges. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where user input transitions directly into database query execution without intermediate validation or escaping mechanisms.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations utilizing WebStudio CMS as it enables remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to database resources. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise including data theft, data corruption, privilege escalation, and potential system takeover. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access or local network presence to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, reputational damage, and legal consequences when such vulnerabilities are exploited in production environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5336 should prioritize immediate patching of the WebStudio CMS application to address the sql injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures that conform to industry standards such as those outlined in the owasp top ten security risks. The implementation of parameterized queries or prepared statements should be enforced throughout the application codebase to prevent sql injection attacks. Network segmentation and firewall rules can provide additional layers of protection by limiting access to vulnerable applications. Regular security assessments, including automated scanning and manual penetration testing, should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting sql injection vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege when designing database access controls within web applications.