CVE-2008-0825 in Caroline
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Claroline before 1.8.9 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2018
The CVE-2008-0825 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw discovered in the Claroline learning management system prior to version 1.8.9. This vulnerability resides within the core application architecture and enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands without authentication. The flaw manifests through unspecified input vectors that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. Claroline, a widely deployed open source e-learning platform used by educational institutions globally, was particularly susceptible to this vulnerability due to its reliance on dynamic sql query construction without adequate input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability affects the platform's ability to distinguish between legitimate user input and malicious sql code, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate database operations and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive educational data. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 sql injection, which is a fundamental weakness in web applications that allows attackers to execute malicious sql commands against backend databases. The attack vector typically involves manipulating parameters in http requests that are then processed by the application's database layer, where insufficient sanitization allows malicious sql code to be executed with the privileges of the database user account used by Claroline.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to modify, delete, or extract confidential information from the educational institution's database. Given that Claroline systems often contain student records, grades, course materials, and administrative data, successful exploitation could result in significant data breaches affecting thousands of users. Attackers could potentially escalate privileges within the database, access other system resources, or even use the compromised system as a foothold for further attacks within the institution's network. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network connectivity to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application is exposed to the internet. From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with attack techniques documented in the attack pattern taxonomy under the category of sql injection attacks, which are frequently targeted by both automated scanning tools and skilled adversaries seeking to compromise web applications. The widespread adoption of Claroline in educational environments increases the potential impact, as many institutions may have been running vulnerable versions without awareness of the security risk.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0825 primarily focus on immediate remediation through version upgrading to Claroline 1.8.9 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive database access controls, ensuring that the application connects to the database using accounts with minimal required privileges and restricted database permissions. Input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers including application code, web application firewalls, and database level protections. The implementation of prepared statements and parameterized queries can effectively prevent sql injection attacks by separating sql code from data, ensuring that user input is treated as literal values rather than executable commands. Network segmentation and access control measures should be deployed to limit exposure of the vulnerable application to untrusted networks. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems within the organization. Additionally, implementing comprehensive logging and monitoring of database activities can help detect suspicious sql queries and potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify common sql injection patterns and alert security personnel to potential attacks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing proper security development practices including input validation, output encoding, and secure coding standards. Regular vulnerability assessments and security awareness training for developers can help prevent similar issues in future software development cycles, aligning with industry best practices outlined in standards such as owasp top ten and iso 27001 security controls.