CVE-2008-6069 in eChat plugin
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in e107chat.php in the eChat plugin 4.2 for e107, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the nick parameter.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6069 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the eChat plugin version 4.2 for the e107 content management system. This security weakness specifically targets the e107chat.php script and exploits a fundamental lack of input validation in the nick parameter handling mechanism. The vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous when the web server environment has magic_quotes_gpc disabled, which removes the automatic escaping of special characters that would normally prevent malicious SQL code from being executed. This configuration oversight creates an exploitable entry point for remote attackers who can manipulate the application's database interactions through crafted input data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the nick parameter in the e107chat.php script, where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into SQL query constructions without proper sanitization or parameterization. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, the application fails to properly escape special characters such as single quotes, semicolons, and other SQL metacharacters that could alter the intended query structure. Attackers can craft malicious input strings that inject additional SQL commands into the executed queries, potentially allowing them to extract sensitive data, modify database records, or even gain administrative access to the underlying database system. This flaw directly maps to CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a primary concern in web application security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform extensive database manipulation and information disclosure attacks. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially leading to complete database takeover, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors within the affected web application. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate functionality of the eChat plugin but also poses risks to the broader e107 platform, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to move laterally within the system or use the compromised database as a staging ground for further attacks. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1046, covering network service scanning, as attackers often probe for such vulnerabilities before exploiting them.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6069 require immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures to protect against SQL injection exploitation. The most critical immediate action involves enabling proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly the nick parameter in this case. Implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries in the database interaction layer would effectively neutralize the vulnerability regardless of the magic_quotes_gpc setting. System administrators should also consider disabling magic_quotes_gpc at the server level or implementing proper input filtering mechanisms that work independently of this setting. Additional protective measures include regular security audits, input validation at multiple layers, and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of defense-in-depth strategies and proper application security coding practices, as reliance on a single security mechanism like magic_quotes_gpc proves insufficient for protecting against sophisticated attacks. Organizations should also ensure that all plugins and extensions are regularly updated and that security patches are applied promptly to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.