CVE-2008-0487 in ASPired2Protect
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in login.asp in ASPired2Protect allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) username and (2) password parameters. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0487 represents a critical security flaw in the ASPired2Protect web application's authentication mechanism. This issue manifests through multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities within the login.asp script, specifically targeting the username and password input parameters. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-89 which defines SQL injection as a condition where an application directly incorporates user-supplied data into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. The affected application fails to implement adequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors seeking to manipulate the underlying database operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers submit specially crafted SQL commands through the username and password fields during the login process. These malicious inputs bypass normal authentication procedures and are directly executed against the database backend, potentially allowing attackers to retrieve, modify, or delete sensitive data. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input filtering and the absence of proper parameterized queries, which are fundamental security measures recommended by the Open Web Application Security Project OWASP. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform unauthorized database access, potentially gaining administrative privileges or extracting confidential information such as user credentials, personal data, or application configuration details.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0487 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to manipulate the application's database through legitimate authentication pathways. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on ASPired2Protect for web application security, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the core authentication functionality, making it particularly dangerous since it operates during normal user interactions. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities and T1078 for valid accounts usage, as attackers can leverage the compromised authentication system to maintain persistent access. The implications include potential data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations under various regulatory frameworks including GDPR and HIPAA.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query construction. Organizations should implement input sanitization techniques that filter or escape special characters commonly used in SQL injection attacks, including single quotes, semicolons, and comment markers. The recommended approach involves transitioning from dynamic SQL query construction to parameterized queries or stored procedures that separate SQL code from user input. Additionally, implementing proper error handling that does not expose database structure information to end users helps prevent information leakage. Security measures should include web application firewalls, database activity monitoring, and regular security assessments. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to established security standards such as those defined by the Center for Internet Security (CIS) and NIST guidelines for application security. Regular patch management and security updates are essential to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities, while comprehensive security training for developers helps prevent similar issues in future application development cycles.