CVE-2008-0649 in Astanda Directory Project
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in detail.php in Astanda Directory Project (ADP) 1.2 and 1.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the link_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2024
The CVE-2008-0649 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Astanda Directory Project version 1.2 and 1.3 web applications. This vulnerability specifically targets the detail.php script which serves as a key component for displaying directory information. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the application's codebase, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through user-supplied parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the link_id parameter which is processed without proper sanitization measures. When an attacker submits malicious input through this parameter, the application fails to properly escape or validate the data before incorporating it into sql queries. This allows attackers to inject arbitrary sql commands that are then executed by the underlying database system. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation as defined by CWE-20, which specifically addresses weaknesses in input sanitization and validation mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted across multiple attack vectors. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within the application's database, potentially including user credentials, personal information, and directory entries. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform data manipulation operations such as data deletion, modification, and unauthorized data retrieval. Additionally, the flaw could facilitate privilege escalation attacks where attackers might gain elevated database permissions or even achieve complete system compromise through database-level command execution.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploit public-facing applications and T1071.004 for application layer protocol. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects a directory management system which typically contains sensitive organizational information. Security professionals should consider this weakness as part of broader application security assessments and penetration testing activities.
The remediation approach for CVE-2008-0649 requires immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query execution. Organizations should ensure all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before processing and implement prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. The Astanda Directory Project developers should upgrade to patched versions that address the input validation deficiencies and implement comprehensive security testing procedures including automated sql injection scanning and manual code review processes. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other application components and ensure ongoing protection against sql injection threats.