CVE-2008-6220 in Simple Document Management System
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in login.php in Simple Document Management System (SDMS) 1.1.5 and 1.1.4, and possibly earlier, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the pass parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The SQL injection vulnerability identified in CVE-2008-6220 affects the Simple Document Management System version 1.1.5 and 1.1.4, with potential impact on earlier releases. This vulnerability resides within the login.php component of the application where user authentication occurs. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database through maliciously crafted input. The vulnerability specifically targets the pass parameter which handles password input during the login process, creating an avenue for unauthorized database access and potential system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the SDMS application. When users submit login credentials through the pass parameter, the application fails to properly escape or validate the input before incorporating it into SQL query structures. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code that can manipulate the database queries in unintended ways. The vulnerability manifests as a classic SQL injection attack vector where attacker-controlled input directly influences the execution flow of database operations. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command, which is a well-documented and widely exploited weakness in database applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data breaches, system compromise, and complete database exposure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from the database, including user credentials, document contents, and system configuration details. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat that can be exploited repeatedly, potentially leading to long-term unauthorized access and data exfiltration. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that authentication components are typically targeted by attackers seeking to gain initial system footholds. Organizations using affected versions of SDMS face significant risk of credential theft, data manipulation, and potential system takeover.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized query approaches to prevent SQL injection attacks. The most effective solution involves updating to a patched version of the SDMS application where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and parameterized database queries. System administrators should implement web application firewalls that can detect and block SQL injection attempts targeting the affected parameter. Database access controls should be reviewed to ensure that application accounts have minimal required privileges, reducing potential damage from successful exploitation. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system. The remediation process should also include monitoring for suspicious login attempts and implementing account lockout mechanisms to prevent brute force attacks. Organizations should consider implementing the principle of least privilege for database connections and ensure that all database interactions use prepared statements or parameterized queries to eliminate the risk of SQL injection exploitation. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and regular security updates in preventing widespread exploitation of known vulnerabilities.