CVE-2008-7208 in OneCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in OneCMS 2.4, and possibly earlier, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) username parameter ($usernameb variable) to a_login.php or (2) user parameter to staff.php.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-7208 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting OneCMS version 2.4 and potentially earlier releases. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the web application's authentication and user management components. The flaw manifests when user-supplied data is directly incorporated into SQL query constructions without proper escaping or parameterization, creating an exploitable vector for malicious actors to manipulate database operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through two primary attack vectors within the OneCMS application. The first vector targets the username parameter, specifically the $usernameb variable within the a_login.php script, while the second vector exploits the user parameter in the staff.php file. Both locations fail to properly validate or sanitize user input before incorporating it into database queries, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL syntax that can be executed by the underlying database engine. This represents a classic SQL injection vulnerability that aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as remote attackers can execute arbitrary SQL commands against the affected database system. This capability enables attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from any network location. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, access sensitive user information, or even gain control over the entire database infrastructure.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage. The lack of input validation in the authentication and staff management components creates a persistent security gap that can be exploited repeatedly. Organizations deploying OneCMS versions affected by this vulnerability face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where database access controls are not properly implemented. The vulnerability's existence demonstrates the critical importance of implementing proper input validation, parameterized queries, and regular security assessments to prevent such widespread exploitation opportunities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-7208 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected OneCMS versions to address the root cause of the SQL injection vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing proper input validation mechanisms, utilizing parameterized queries, and establishing robust database access controls can significantly reduce the attack surface. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to monitor for suspicious database activity patterns. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, while implementing web application firewalls can provide additional protective layers against SQL injection attacks. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for secure coding practices and the importance of maintaining up-to-date security measures in web applications.