CVE-2010-1078 in SphereCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in archive.php in XlentProjects SphereCMS 1.1 alpha allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via encoded null bytes ("%00") in the view parameter, which bypasses a protection mechanism.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2026
The CVE-2010-1078 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in the XlentProjects SphereCMS 1.1 alpha content management system. This vulnerability specifically affects the archive.php script and demonstrates how inadequate input validation can lead to severe remote code execution capabilities for malicious actors. The flaw exploits a weakness in the application's parameter handling mechanism, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL commands through the view parameter. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages encoded null bytes in the form of "%00" to bypass existing security protections that were presumably designed to prevent such attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper sanitization of user-supplied input within the archive.php file. When the application processes the view parameter without adequate filtering or escaping mechanisms, it directly incorporates user data into SQL query construction. The use of encoded null bytes serves as a sophisticated bypass technique that can evade signature-based detection systems and traditional input validation routines. This approach exploits the way certain web applications handle null byte sequences in HTTP requests, where the null terminator can effectively truncate strings and alter the execution flow of SQL queries. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, specifically demonstrating how attackers can leverage encoding techniques to circumvent security controls. This technique aligns with ATT&CK framework tactics related to command and control through database manipulation and credential theft.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data extraction to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Remote attackers can execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially gaining access to sensitive user credentials, personal information, and system configurations stored within the database. The ability to bypass protection mechanisms means that even organizations with basic security controls in place may be vulnerable to exploitation. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that rely on CMS platforms for content management, as it demonstrates how seemingly minor input handling flaws can result in complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform data manipulation, unauthorized access to administrative functions, and potentially establish persistent access through database backdoors.
Organizations utilizing XlentProjects SphereCMS 1.1 alpha should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization measures that properly handle null byte sequences and other encoded characters. The recommended approach involves implementing proper parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks entirely, while also deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious null byte patterns. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The remediation process should include comprehensive code review focusing on input handling mechanisms and the implementation of robust output encoding practices. Security teams must also consider the broader implications of this vulnerability within their overall security posture, as it highlights the importance of defense-in-depth strategies that protect against multiple attack vectors simultaneously. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for continuous security testing and the implementation of secure coding practices throughout the software development lifecycle.