CVE-2008-5665 in XOOPS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in the xhresim module in 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-2008-5665 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the xhresim module of the XOOPS content management system. This vulnerability specifically affects the index.php script where user input is improperly handled, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute unauthorized database operations. The vulnerability manifests through the 'no' parameter which is directly incorporated into sql query construction without adequate sanitization or parameterization. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of sql injection, which is classified as a severe security weakness that allows attackers to manipulate database queries and potentially gain complete control over the underlying database system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers submit malicious input through the 'no' parameter in the xhresim module. The lack of proper input validation and sanitization means that sql commands embedded within the user-supplied data are executed directly by the database engine. This creates a pathway for attackers to perform unauthorized data retrieval, modification, or deletion operations, potentially leading to full database compromise. The vulnerability exists due to improper handling of user input within the sql query construction process, violating fundamental security principles of input validation and output encoding that are essential for preventing injection attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to escalate their privileges and potentially compromise the entire web application infrastructure. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to sensitive user data, modification of database content, and in severe cases, complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects organizations using outdated versions of XOOPS that have not received proper security patches, leaving them exposed to automated scanning tools and targeted attacks. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web applications where database credentials are often stored with elevated privileges, potentially allowing attackers to execute system commands or access other network resources.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including patching the xhresim module to properly sanitize input parameters and implement proper sql query parameterization techniques. The recommended approach involves using prepared statements or stored procedures that separate sql code from data input, thereby preventing malicious sql commands from being executed. Additionally, input validation should be implemented at multiple layers including application-level filtering and output encoding to ensure that any potentially malicious data is neutralized before processing. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, and access controls should be reviewed to limit database privileges to the minimum required for application functionality. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security updates and the implementation of secure coding practices that align with the mitre ATT&CK framework's prevention strategies for command and control operations and credential access techniques.