CVE-2008-1549 in Student Information System
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Aeries Browser Interface (ABI) 3.8.3.14 in Eagle Software Aries Student Information System allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) GrdBk parameter to GradebookOptions.asp and the (2) SchlCode variable to loginproc.asp, a different vector than CVE-2008-0942.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2017
The CVE-2008-1549 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Aeries Browser Interface version 3.8.3.14, which is part of the Eagle Software Aries Student Information System. This vulnerability specifically targets two distinct input parameters that are processed by different ASP scripts within the system. The first vulnerable parameter is the GrdBk parameter in the GradebookOptions.asp file, while the second vulnerable variable is the SchlCode variable in the loginproc.asp file. These vulnerabilities fall under the broader category of CWE-89 SQL Injection, which is classified as a fundamental weakness in software design that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through malicious input. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands without requiring authentication, making it a severe threat to the integrity and confidentiality of student information stored within the system.
The technical exploitation of these vulnerabilities occurs through improper input validation and sanitization within the web application's backend processing. When the GrdBk parameter is passed to GradebookOptions.asp, the application fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL query constructs. Similarly, the SchlCode variable in loginproc.asp suffers from the same inadequate input handling, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code that gets executed by the database server. This lack of proper parameterized queries or input sanitization creates an environment where attackers can manipulate the database through crafted input strings. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient input validation, which is categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as the exploitation involves manipulating application-specific protocols to gain unauthorized access to backend database systems. The attack vectors leverage the web application's trust in user input without proper verification, which is a fundamental security principle that should be enforced through proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-1549 extends far beyond simple data retrieval, as successful exploitation could lead to complete database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive student information. Attackers could potentially extract, modify, or delete student records, academic transcripts, personal information, and other confidential data stored within the Aeries system. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not need physical access to the network or system to exploit these flaws, making it particularly dangerous for educational institutions that rely on web-based student information systems. The implications include potential data breaches, compliance violations under educational privacy regulations such as FERPA, and significant reputational damage to the institution. Additionally, the exploitation could enable attackers to escalate privileges within the database, potentially leading to system-wide compromise. Organizations using this software version would face increased risk of identity theft, academic fraud, and unauthorized modifications to student records, all of which could have long-term consequences for both the institution and affected students.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1549 should focus on implementing proper input validation, output encoding, and parameterized queries throughout the affected applications. The most effective immediate fix involves updating the GradebookOptions.asp and loginproc.asp files to utilize parameterized database queries that separate SQL command structure from user input data. Organizations should also implement proper input sanitization routines that filter or escape special characters that could be used in SQL injection attacks, particularly the apostrophe, semicolon, and other SQL metacharacters. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious input patterns. Regular security auditing and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the system, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive input validation across all application components. Organizations should also consider implementing proper access controls and authentication mechanisms to limit the impact of potential exploitation, while maintaining detailed logging and monitoring of database activities to detect unauthorized access attempts. The remediation efforts should align with industry standards such as the OWASP Top 10 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, ensuring that the fixes address not only the specific vulnerability but also strengthen overall application security posture.