CVE-2008-7267 in SiteEngine
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in announcements.php in SiteEngine 5.x allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-7267 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the SiteEngine 5.x content management system, specifically affecting the announcements.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the id parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation measures. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the database query execution flow, potentially compromising the entire underlying database infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the announcements.php component where the id parameter is directly incorporated into SQL queries without appropriate escaping or parameterization techniques. This primitive approach to query construction creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can manipulate the intended SQL statement structure, allowing for unauthorized database access, data exfiltration, or even complete database compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in software design that permits malicious SQL commands to be executed through input fields.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with potentially full administrative control over the SiteEngine installation. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive user data, modification of announcements content, or even privilege escalation within the database. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system, as attackers could manipulate the announcement data to disseminate false information or disrupt normal operations. This weakness is particularly dangerous in web applications where announcements are frequently used for critical communications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-7267 should focus on immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries. The recommended approach involves using prepared statements or parameterized queries to separate SQL code from data, ensuring that user input cannot alter the intended query structure. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization measures including input length limits, character set validation, and comprehensive output encoding can significantly reduce the attack surface. Security practitioners should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. According to ATT&CK framework category T1190, this vulnerability represents a common technique used in initial access phases where adversaries seek to exploit input validation weaknesses in web applications. Organizations should also conduct thorough code reviews and vulnerability assessments to identify similar patterns across other components of the SiteEngine system that might be susceptible to the same class of vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include updating to patched versions of SiteEngine, implementing proper access controls, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized database access attempts.