CVE-2008-5796 in Eluna Page Comments Extension
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the eluna Page Comments (eluna_pagecomments) extension 1.1.2 and earlier for TYPO3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2017
The CVE-2008-5796 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the eluna page comments extension version 1.1.2 and earlier for the TYPO3 content management system. This vulnerability exposes the web application to remote code execution risks through improper input validation mechanisms. The flaw specifically affects the extension's handling of user-supplied data within sql query constructions, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database operations. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient sanitization of parameters that are directly incorporated into sql statements without proper escaping or parameterization. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that alters the intended sql query structure, potentially allowing them to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even gain administrative privileges within the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the extension's failure to properly validate and sanitize user inputs before incorporating them into database queries. This pattern aligns with common sql injection attack vectors categorized under CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands. The vulnerability manifests when user-provided data flows directly into sql execution contexts without adequate filtering mechanisms. In the context of TYPO3, this issue particularly affects the eluna page comments extension which likely processes comment submissions or other user interactions that require database operations. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that multiple input points within the extension could be exploited, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it may not be easily detectable through simple testing approaches.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with potentially full database access capabilities. Remote attackers could leverage this vulnerability to perform unauthorized data manipulation, including data insertion, deletion, or modification operations. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that TYPO3 is widely used for enterprise web applications where sensitive data is commonly stored. Successful exploitation could result in complete compromise of the affected web application, potentially leading to service disruption, data breaches, and unauthorized access to user information. The vulnerability's presence in the eluna page comments extension suggests that comment submission functionality could serve as an attack vector, making it particularly dangerous for websites that rely heavily on user-generated content. This type of vulnerability also enables attackers to potentially escalate privileges and move laterally within network environments where database access is granted.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5796 require immediate action to address the underlying sql injection vulnerability within the eluna page comments extension. The most effective approach involves upgrading to a patched version of the extension that properly implements input validation and parameterized queries. System administrators should ensure that all TYPO3 installations are updated to the latest stable releases that include security fixes for known vulnerabilities. Implementing proper input sanitization techniques, including parameterized queries and prepared statements, should be enforced throughout the application codebase. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though they should not be relied upon as the sole mitigation. Security monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-89 emphasizes the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar issues in other parts of the application. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and database privilege management to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.