CVE-2008-5800

Source: cve@mitre.org

HIGH
7.5
Published: December 31, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Modified: April 9, 2025 at 12:30 AM

Vulnerability Description

SQL injection vulnerability in the Wir ber uns [sic] (fsmi_people) extension 0.0.24 and earlier for TYPO3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.

CVSS Metrics

Base Score
7.5
Severity
HIGH
Vector String
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P

Weaknesses (CWE)

Source: nvd@nist.gov

AI Security Analysis

01 // Technical Summary

A critical SQL injection vulnerability exists in the Wir ber uns (fsmi_people) extension for TYPO3, allowing attackers to remotely execute arbitrary SQL commands. Successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of the affected web application, including data theft and server control.

02 // Vulnerability Mechanism

Step 1: Identify the Vulnerable Parameter: The attacker identifies a parameter within the fsmi_people extension that is used in a database query. This is often done through manual testing or automated vulnerability scanners.

Step 2: Craft the Malicious Payload: The attacker constructs a SQL injection payload designed to achieve a specific goal, such as retrieving sensitive data, modifying data, or gaining remote code execution. This payload is designed to exploit the lack of input validation.

Step 3: Inject the Payload: The attacker submits the crafted payload through the identified vulnerable parameter, typically via an HTTP GET or POST request.

Step 4: Execute the Malicious Query: The application, lacking proper input sanitization, incorporates the attacker's payload into a SQL query and executes it against the database.

Step 5: Achieve the Desired Outcome: The database server executes the injected SQL commands, allowing the attacker to achieve their objective, such as retrieving sensitive information, modifying data, or potentially gaining control over the server.

03 // Deep Technical Analysis

The vulnerability stems from a failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. Specifically, the extension likely constructs SQL queries dynamically based on parameters passed through HTTP requests. The absence of input validation allows an attacker to inject malicious SQL code into these parameters. When the application executes the crafted query, the injected code is interpreted by the database server, leading to unauthorized actions. The root cause is a lack of input validation and parameterized queries, which are essential for preventing SQL injection attacks. The use of string concatenation to build SQL queries instead of prepared statements is a key contributing factor. The specific function or code block responsible for building the SQL query and incorporating user-controlled data is the area of concern.

04 // Exploitation Status

While the vulnerability is old, SQL injection vulnerabilities are timeless. It's highly probable that exploits exist and are **Actively exploited**. The age of the vulnerability suggests a **Public PoC** is likely available.

05 // Threat Intelligence

Due to the nature of SQL injection, this vulnerability is attractive to a wide range of threat actors, from opportunistic attackers to sophisticated APTs. It's difficult to attribute specific APT groups directly to this specific CVE without further intelligence. However, the potential for data exfiltration and server compromise makes it a target for financially motivated attackers and nation-state actors. CISA KEV status: Not Listed.

06 // Detection & Hunting

  • Web Application Firewall (WAF) logs showing suspicious SQL syntax in HTTP requests (e.g., SELECT, UPDATE, INSERT keywords, single quotes, semicolons).

  • Database server logs indicating unusual query activity, such as unexpected queries or errors related to SQL syntax.

  • Network traffic analysis revealing unusual HTTP requests with potentially malicious payloads in parameters.

  • File integrity monitoring detecting changes to web application files, especially those related to database interaction.

  • Intrusion Detection System (IDS) alerts triggered by SQL injection signatures.

07 // Remediation & Hardening

  • Implement Input Validation: Thoroughly validate all user-supplied input to ensure it conforms to expected formats and lengths. Sanitize all input before using it in SQL queries.

  • Use Parameterized Queries (Prepared Statements): Replace dynamic SQL query construction with parameterized queries. This separates the SQL code from the user-supplied data, preventing the injection of malicious code.

  • Apply the Latest Security Patches: Ensure the TYPO3 CMS and the fsmi_people extension are updated to the latest versions to address any known vulnerabilities.

  • Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF): A WAF can help detect and block SQL injection attempts by inspecting HTTP requests for malicious patterns.

  • Principle of Least Privilege: Configure the database user account used by the web application with the minimum necessary privileges to perform its tasks.

  • Regular Security Audits and Penetration Testing: Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

08 // Affected Products

TYPO3 CMSfsmi_people extension 0.0.24 and earlier

09 // Discovered Proof of Concept Links

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