CVE-2011-0644 in PHPCMS 2008
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in include/admin/model_field.class.php in PHPCMS 2008 V2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the modelid parameter to flash_upload.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0644 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the PHPCMS 2008 V2 content management system that exposes remote attackers to arbitrary code execution capabilities. This vulnerability specifically targets the include/admin/model_field.class.php file and manifests through the modelid parameter in the flash_upload.php script, creating a direct pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database operations. The flaw exists due to insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL payloads that bypass normal security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a specially crafted modelid parameter to the flash_upload.php endpoint, which then processes this input without proper sanitization within the model_field.class.php file. This creates a classic SQL injection scenario where attacker-controlled data is directly incorporated into SQL query construction, enabling unauthorized database access, data manipulation, and potential system compromise. The vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in application security, specifically when user input is improperly handled in database queries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands that can lead to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from the database, modify or delete critical content, escalate privileges within the application, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the use of SQL injection to gain access to databases and extract sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0644 require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized queries throughout the affected application components. Organizations should implement proper sanitization of all user inputs, particularly those used in database operations, and adopt prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to a patched version of PHPCMS 2008 V2 or migrating to a supported CMS version that addresses this vulnerability. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense. Security configurations should include disabling unnecessary file upload capabilities and implementing strict access controls to limit the attack surface. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar SQL injection threats that could compromise system integrity and data confidentiality.