CVE-2008-5727 in NetCat
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in modules/auth/password_recovery.php in AIST NetCat 3.12 and earlier, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the query string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-5727 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the AIST NetCat content management system version 3.12 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically targets the password recovery module located at modules/auth/password_recovery.php, making it a prime target for attackers seeking unauthorized access to user accounts and system data. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's authentication framework, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted HTTP requests.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, which removes the automatic escaping of special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data. This configuration setting, when turned off, leaves the application vulnerable to SQL injection attacks because user input is not automatically sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. Attackers can construct malicious query strings that, when processed by the vulnerable password recovery script, execute arbitrary SQL commands on the underlying database server. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, specifically classified as a direct SQL injection where user-controllable data is directly embedded into SQL query strings without proper sanitization or parameterization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform full database manipulation including data extraction, modification, and deletion. An attacker could potentially extract user credentials, personal information, and sensitive system data from the database. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers leverage publicly accessible web applications to gain initial access to target systems. The attack chain typically involves reconnaissance to identify the vulnerable application, crafting malicious payloads to exploit the SQL injection, and then leveraging the compromised system for further attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase. The most effective immediate fix involves enabling magic_quotes_gpc or implementing comprehensive input sanitization routines that properly escape or parameterize all user-controllable data before database insertion. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, employ proper database access controls with least privilege principles, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application modules. Additionally, upgrading to a supported version of AIST NetCat that addresses this vulnerability is essential for long-term security posture maintenance. The remediation process should include thorough code review of all database interaction points to ensure similar injection vulnerabilities do not exist elsewhere in the application, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines for preventing injection attacks.