CVE-2008-0504 in Photo Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Coppermine Photo Gallery (CPG) before 1.4.15 allow remote authen ticated administrators to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) albumid, (2) startpic, and (3) numpics parameters to util.php; and (4) cid_array parameter to reviewcom.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2008-0504 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting Coppermine Photo Gallery versions prior to 1.4.15. This vulnerability specifically targets authenticated administrator users who possess the ability to manipulate gallery parameters through web interface interactions. The flaw exists within the application's handling of user-supplied input in multiple PHP scripts that process administrative operations. Attackers with administrative privileges can exploit these injection points to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data and system resources. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only administrative authentication to exploit, meaning that any user with administrator credentials can leverage these flaws without additional authentication requirements.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the Coppermine Photo Gallery application. Specifically, the util.php script processes four distinct parameters that are vulnerable to SQL injection attacks: albumid, startpic, numpics, and cid_array. These parameters are directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code. The attack vector operates through the web interface where administrative users navigate to specific pages that process these parameters, enabling the execution of arbitrary database commands. This flaw aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as weaknesses in software that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through untrusted input. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the importance of implementing proper database query parameterization techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential data destruction. An authenticated administrator who exploits these vulnerabilities can gain access to all database records including user credentials, gallery configurations, and potentially sensitive system information. The attacker could manipulate the database to create new administrator accounts, modify existing user permissions, or extract confidential information stored within the gallery database. This type of attack directly violates the principle of least privilege and can lead to persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability also enables potential denial of service conditions if attackers choose to corrupt database structures or execute resource-intensive queries. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability provides a pathway to escalate privileges and maintain long-term access to the compromised system, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on Coppermine Photo Gallery for their image hosting needs.
The exploitation of these vulnerabilities aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1078 credential access and T1046 network service scanning categories. The vulnerability requires administrative authentication to exploit, which means that attackers who have already gained administrative credentials can leverage this flaw to expand their access and control. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring and logging of administrative activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. The recommended mitigations include immediate patching to Coppermine Photo Gallery version 1.4.15 or later, which addresses these SQL injection vulnerabilities through proper input validation and parameterization of database queries. Additionally, organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces, enforce strong administrative credential policies, and regularly audit administrative activities. Security measures should also include web application firewalls that can detect and block SQL injection attempts, as well as regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and proper database query construction in preventing injection attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.