CVE-2008-6282 in CMS Ortus
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in engine/users/users_edit_pub.inc in CMS Ortus 1.13 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the city parameter in a users_edit_pub action to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6282 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the CMS Ortus version 1.13 and earlier systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the engine/users/users_edit_pub.inc component and affects the index.php script when processing users_edit_pub actions. The flaw enables authenticated remote attackers to manipulate database queries through the city parameter, creating a significant security risk for systems utilizing this content management solution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the CMS's user management functionality. When an authenticated user submits data through the city parameter in the users_edit_pub action, the application fails to properly escape or filter the input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands that execute within the database context, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the database interaction mechanisms used for user profile management.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and manipulate the entire user management system. An authenticated user can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information from the database, including user credentials, personal data, and system configuration details. The remote execution capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the system, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for web applications. This issue directly violates security principles of input validation and database query isolation, creating opportunities for data breaches and system compromise.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. The recommended approach involves sanitizing all user inputs through proper escaping mechanisms and implementing prepared statements for database interactions. Additionally, access controls should be reviewed to limit the scope of authenticated users who can perform administrative actions. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which classifies SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in application security, and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments remain crucial for maintaining system integrity and preventing similar issues in future deployments.