CVE-2008-6438 in MacGuru BLOG Engine plugin
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in macgurublog_menu/macgurublog.php in the MacGuru BLOG Engine plugin 2.2 for e107 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the uid parameter, a different vector than CVE-2008-2455. NOTE: it was later reported that 2.1.4 is also affected.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6438 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the MacGuru BLOG Engine plugin version 2.2 for the e107 content management system. This vulnerability specifically affects the macgurublog_menu/macgurublog.php script and enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands through manipulation of the uid parameter. The issue is distinct from CVE-2008-2455, indicating a separate attack vector that targets the same underlying software component. The vulnerability affects not only version 2.2 but also version 2.1.4 as subsequently reported, demonstrating the widespread nature of this security flaw within the plugin's codebase. The macguru blog engine plugin operates as a menu component within e107, making it a critical element for user navigation and content display, which increases the potential impact of this vulnerability.
The technical implementation of this sql injection vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the uid parameter processing. When the plugin receives user input through the uid parameter, it fails to properly escape or validate the data before incorporating it into sql queries. This allows attackers to inject malicious sql code that gets executed by the database server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability specifically exploits the way the plugin handles user identifiers, where the uid parameter is directly used in sql construction without proper sanitization mechanisms. This flaw falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89, which categorizes sql injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental security issue in web applications. The attack vector leverages the plugin's menu functionality where user identifiers are processed to display blog content, making the exploitation path relatively straightforward for attackers familiar with sql injection techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6438 extends beyond simple data theft, as remote attackers can potentially gain full administrative control over the affected e107 website. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands, which can result in data manipulation, unauthorized access to user accounts, information disclosure, and potentially complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread use of e107 as a content management platform, meaning that multiple websites could be simultaneously vulnerable. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, modify database content, extract sensitive user information, or even establish persistent backdoors within the compromised systems. The fact that both versions 2.2 and 2.1.4 are affected indicates that this vulnerability was present across multiple releases, suggesting a fundamental flaw in the plugin's architecture rather than a simple coding error in a specific version.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including upgrading to a patched version of the MacGuru BLOG Engine plugin, as the vulnerability affects versions 2.1.4 and 2.2. System administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, particularly for all user-supplied parameters that are later incorporated into database queries. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries would effectively prevent sql injection attacks by separating sql code from data. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be applied to database connections used by the plugin, limiting the potential damage from successful exploitation. Security monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect unusual sql query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious sql injection attempts before they reach the vulnerable application components. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-89 and its exploitation patterns align with common attack techniques documented in the mitre att&ck framework under the command and control and credential access tactics, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures.