CVE-2008-6272 in Apoll
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in admin/index.php in Dragan Mitic Apoll 0.7 beta and 0.7.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL command via the pass parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The CVE-2008-6272 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in the Dragan Mitic Apoll content management system versions 0.7 beta and 0.7.5. This vulnerability specifically affects the administrative interface component located at admin/index.php, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to the system's backend database. The flaw manifests through improper input validation of the pass parameter, which is utilized during administrative authentication processes. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, a well-documented weakness that has plagued web applications for decades and continues to be one of the most prevalent and dangerous security flaws in the industry.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits maliciously crafted input through the pass parameter in the admin/index.php script. The application fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL query constructs, allowing attackers to manipulate the database query execution flow. This manipulation can result in unauthorized data access, data modification, or complete database compromise. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local system access or authentication to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged from any network location. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it targets a publicly accessible administrative interface component.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6272 extends far beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized administrative control. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially gaining access to sensitive user credentials, personal information, and system configuration data. The vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor into the administrative functions of the CMS, enabling attackers to modify content, delete data, or even install malicious software. The implications are particularly severe for organizations relying on this CMS, as the administrative interface typically holds the highest level of system privileges and access controls. This vulnerability can also serve as a stepping stone for further attacks within a network infrastructure, as compromised administrative credentials often provide access to additional systems and resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6272 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-provided patch or upgrading to a non-vulnerable version of the Dragan Mitic Apoll CMS, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries in the application code can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. According to security best practices and industry standards, this vulnerability highlights the critical importance of input validation and proper database query construction, principles that align with the OWASP Top Ten security risks and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the entire application portfolio.