CVE-2008-5768 in Am Events Module
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in print.php in the AM Events (aka Amevents) module 0.22 for XOOPS allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The CVE-2008-5768 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the AM Events module version 0.22 for the XOOPS content management platform. This vulnerability specifically affects the print.php script and exposes the application to remote code execution through improper input validation. The vulnerability stems from the module's failure to adequately sanitize user-supplied input when processing the id parameter, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands into the backend database query execution process. The affected AM Events module operates within the XOOPS framework, which is widely used for building dynamic web applications and content management systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning due to the potential scale of impact.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malicious value through the id parameter in the print.php script. Without proper input sanitization or parameterized query construction, the sql injection payload can manipulate the database query structure to execute unauthorized commands. This flaw directly maps to CWE-89, which classifies sql injection as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into sql queries without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The vulnerability enables attackers to potentially extract sensitive data, modify database records, or even gain administrative access to the underlying database system. The attack surface is particularly dangerous because it allows remote execution without requiring authentication, making it a high-severity threat that can be exploited from any network location.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations running XOOPS installations with the affected AM Events module. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include complete database compromise, potential service disruption, and possible lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, establish persistent backdoors, or use the compromised system as a launching point for attacks on other network resources. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1190 for exploit for client execution, as it enables remote code execution through web application exploitation. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues and potential data breach notifications if this vulnerability is exploited, particularly in environments handling sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5768 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected AM Events module to version 0.23 or later, which includes proper input validation and parameterized query handling. System administrators should implement input validation at multiple layers, including web application firewalls and database access controls, to prevent malicious sql injection attempts. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting database user permissions to only essential operations, preventing attackers from executing destructive commands even if injection occurs. Additionally, implementing proper output encoding and using prepared statements or parameterized queries in the application code will provide defense in depth against similar vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potentially unpatched components within the XOOPS installation that may present similar attack vectors, ensuring comprehensive protection against sql injection threats across the entire web application infrastructure.