CVE-2008-0614 in Photokorn
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in Photokorn Gallery 1.543 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the pic parameter in a showpic action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2024
The CVE-2008-0614 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Photokorn Gallery 1.543 web application that fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the affected system. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php file and exploits the pic parameter during showpic actions, creating an attack vector that enables remote adversaries to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database. The flaw resides in the application's insufficient input validation mechanisms, where user-supplied data flows directly into sql query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization, making it a classic example of insecure direct object reference and improper input handling.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input through the pic parameter that gets embedded into sql queries executed by the web application. This allows threat actors to manipulate database operations, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information, modifying or deleting data, and in some cases achieving complete system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no authentication for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by anyone with access to the targeted web application. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-89 as sql injection, which is a well-documented weakness in software applications that handle database queries.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0614 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the underlying database infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract user credentials, personal information, and other sensitive data stored within the gallery's database. The vulnerability also enables privilege escalation attacks where threat actors might gain administrative access to the application, potentially leading to full system compromise. According to att&ck framework, this vulnerability maps to tactic t1190 (proxying) and t1071.004 (application layer protocol: dns) as attackers may use the compromised system as a pivot point for further network exploration. The vulnerability affects the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of the system through unauthorized data access and potential data corruption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0614 must focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should immediately apply patches released by the Photokorn Gallery developers or migrate to supported versions of the software that address this vulnerability. Input sanitization techniques including proper escaping of special characters and validation of user inputs against expected formats should be implemented at multiple layers of the application architecture. Additionally, database access controls should be strictly enforced through principle of least privilege, ensuring that application accounts have minimal necessary permissions. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments as outlined in owasp top ten and iso 27001 standards, emphasizing that sql injection remains one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security risks requiring continuous attention and remediation efforts.