CVE-2008-6642 in FluentCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in view.php in DotContent FluentCMS 4.x allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the sid parameter. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The CVE-2008-6642 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the DotContent FluentCMS 4.x content management system, specifically affecting the view.php script. This vulnerability exposes the application to remote code execution attacks through improper input validation mechanisms. The flaw manifests when the application fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied data passed through the sid parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database query execution pipeline. The vulnerability's severity stems from its remote exploitability, allowing attackers to perform unauthorized database operations without requiring local system access or authentication credentials. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1190 technique for exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services, with potential lateral movement capabilities once initial access is achieved.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the view.php script directly incorporates user input from the sid parameter into SQL query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. Attackers can manipulate the sid parameter to inject malicious SQL syntax that alters the intended query behavior, potentially leading to data extraction, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability's exploitation typically involves crafting specially formatted input that bypasses standard input validation checks and injects SQL commands that execute with the privileges of the database user account. This flaw demonstrates poor input handling practices and violates fundamental security principles of input validation and output encoding. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include potential system compromise, as successful exploitation can provide attackers with access to sensitive information stored within the CMS database.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6642 is substantial, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to the underlying database infrastructure supporting the DotContent FluentCMS installation. This vulnerability can result in complete data compromise, including user credentials, content management information, and potentially sensitive organizational data. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for public-facing web applications. Organizations running affected versions of DotContent FluentCMS face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations if sensitive information is exposed. The vulnerability also enables attackers to potentially escalate privileges within the database environment, leading to further system compromise and extended attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6642 should prioritize immediate patching of affected DotContent FluentCMS installations to the latest secure versions that address the SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging. Network-based mitigations include implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can identify and block SQL injection attempts targeting the vulnerable sid parameter. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential SQL injection points within the application and related systems. The implementation of proper access controls and database privilege management can limit the damage from successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be performed to ensure adherence to secure coding practices and prevent recurrence of similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles.