CVE-2008-0256 in ASP Photo Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Matteo Binda ASP Photo Gallery 1.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) id parameter to (a) Imgbig.asp, (b) thumb.asp, and (c) thumbricerca.asp and the (2) ricerca parameter to (d) thumbricerca.asp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0256 represents a critical security flaw in Matteo Binda ASP Photo Gallery version 1.0 that exposes multiple pathways for remote SQL injection attacks. This vulnerability resides within the gallery's web application interface and affects several key script files that handle user input processing. The attack vector specifically targets parameters that are not properly sanitized before being incorporated into SQL database queries, creating opportunities for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database operations through crafted input sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameter handling within the ASP application's backend processing logic. When users interact with the gallery through the affected scripts, the application fails to properly escape or sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL command structures. The vulnerability affects three distinct scripts including Imgbig.asp, thumb.asp, and thumbricerca.asp which all process the id parameter, while the thumbricerca.asp script additionally processes the ricerca parameter. These parameters are directly concatenated into SQL queries without proper sanitization mechanisms, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code that executes with the privileges of the database user account.
From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations deploying the affected ASP photo gallery application. Remote attackers can exploit these injection points to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database, potentially leading to complete database compromise, data exfiltration, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The attack surface extends beyond simple data retrieval to include database modification, deletion, and potentially system-level command execution depending on the database configuration and privileges assigned to the web application's database user. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 which classifies SQL injection as a persistent weakness in software applications that fail to properly validate and sanitize database inputs.
The impact of exploitation can range from unauthorized data access and modification to complete system compromise, particularly when the database user account possesses elevated privileges. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to extract user credentials, modify gallery content, or even escalate their access to system-level privileges if the database server allows such operations. The vulnerability affects web applications that utilize Microsoft Active Server Pages technology and typically requires minimal reconnaissance to identify and exploit, making it particularly dangerous in production environments. Organizations implementing security controls should consider this vulnerability in their risk assessment frameworks and ensure proper input validation is implemented across all database interaction points.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0256 should focus on implementing proper parameter validation and input sanitization across all affected scripts. The most effective remediation involves using parameterized queries or prepared statements to separate SQL command structure from user data, thereby preventing malicious input from altering the intended database operations. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation ensures that database user accounts have minimal necessary permissions to reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms that can detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to established security standards such as those defined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for preventing injection vulnerabilities in web applications.