CVE-2008-1847 in phpAddressBook
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in view.php in CoronaMatrix phpAddressBook 2.11 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-2008-1847 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the phpAddressBook 2.11 application developed by CoronaMatrix. This security weakness exists in the view.php script which processes user input through the id parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql command structures. This particular implementation flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious sql code directly through the web interface, bypassing normal authentication and authorization controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing sql injection sequences and submits it through the id parameter in the view.php script. The application processes this unvalidated input directly within sql queries without proper parameterization or input filtering, enabling the execution of arbitrary sql commands on the underlying database server. This flaw aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities, and follows the ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it requires no privileged access or authentication, making it accessible to any remote user who can interact with the vulnerable web application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it grants attackers full control over the database backend. Successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise including data exfiltration, unauthorized modifications to address book entries, potential privilege escalation within the database system, and in severe cases, the ability to execute operating system commands on the database server. The phpAddressBook application, being a contact management system, would likely contain sensitive personal and business information that could be accessed or altered by malicious actors. This vulnerability also poses risks for privilege escalation attacks where attackers might leverage the database access to gain further system control or move laterally within network environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase, specifically modifying the view.php script to use prepared statements or proper sql escaping mechanisms. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block sql injection attempts, conduct thorough code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, and ensure regular security updates are applied to all web applications. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls, database query monitoring, and regular penetration testing will help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper sql query construction as outlined in OWASP Top 10 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, emphasizing that sql injection remains one of the most persistent and dangerous web application security threats requiring continuous attention and remediation efforts.