CVE-2007-5996 in Link Directory Script
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in searchresult.php in Softbiz Link Directory Script allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the sbcat_id parameter, a related issue to CVE-2007-5449.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5996 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the softbiz link directory script's searchresult.php component. This weakness specifically manifests through the sbcat_id parameter, which fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before incorporating it into sql database queries. The vulnerability is classified under cwe-89 sql injection as defined by the common weakness enumeration catalog, making it a well-documented and severe security flaw that has been consistently identified in web applications throughout the industry. The issue is particularly concerning because it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands without authentication, potentially leading to complete database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input handling within the searchresult.php script where the sbcat_id parameter is directly concatenated into sql queries without appropriate sanitization or parameterization. This flaw creates a direct pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the sql execution flow by injecting specially crafted sql payloads through the vulnerable parameter. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform unauthorized data extraction, modification, or deletion operations on the underlying database, potentially accessing user credentials, personal information, or other confidential data stored within the application's database infrastructure. The relationship to CVE-2007-5449 indicates this is part of a broader class of vulnerabilities affecting the same software product, suggesting systematic input validation failures within the application's codebase.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing the softbiz link directory script, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can result in complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include potential service disruption, data corruption, and unauthorized access to administrative functions. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to escalate privileges, create backdoors, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to carry out attacks, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible web environments. This type of vulnerability commonly appears in applications that have not implemented proper input validation and output encoding practices as recommended by the owasp top ten security risks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5996 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations must ensure that all user-supplied input is properly sanitized and validated before being processed by the application. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries should be mandatory for all database interactions, as this approach inherently prevents sql injection by separating sql code from data. Additionally, the application should be updated to the latest version of the softbiz link directory script where this vulnerability has been patched. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities within the application's codebase, following industry standards such as those outlined in the iso/iec 27001 information security management framework and the nist cybersecurity framework for comprehensive security posture improvement.