CVE-2008-1774 in Pligg Cms
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in editlink.php in Pligg 9.9.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1774 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Pligg content management system version 9.9.0. This vulnerability specifically affects the editlink.php script, which serves as a core component for managing and editing links within the platform. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors seeking to manipulate the underlying database structure. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection attacks where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper escaping or parameterization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the id parameter within the editlink.php script, where remote attackers can inject malicious SQL code that gets executed by the database server. When the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the id parameter, it allows attackers to craft SQL commands that bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. This flaw enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including data extraction, modification, or deletion, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited without requiring any special privileges or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized administrative access. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can manipulate the database to inject malicious content, alter user permissions, or even establish persistent backdoors within the system. The implications are severe for any organization relying on Pligg 9.9.0 for content management, as the vulnerability could result in data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1190 for exploit public-facing application, demonstrating how attackers can leverage web application flaws to achieve their objectives.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1774 must focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should immediately upgrade to a patched version of Pligg that addresses this vulnerability, as version 9.9.0 is known to be affected. The implementation of prepared statements and parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application codebase to ensure that user input is properly escaped and treated as data rather than executable code. Additionally, input validation should be implemented at multiple layers including the application, web server, and database levels. Security measures such as web application firewalls, database activity monitoring, and regular security audits should be deployed to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to OWASP Top Ten security guidelines to prevent similar issues in future development cycles.