CVE-2008-1859 in SocialWare
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in events.php in iScripts SocialWare allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter in a show action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1859 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the iScripts SocialWare platform, specifically affecting the events.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the id parameter during a show action, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation and sanitization, where user-provided data flows directly into SQL command construction without adequate filtering or escaping mechanisms. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in web applications as they can enable attackers to bypass authentication, extract confidential data, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the affected system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload targeting the id parameter in the events.php script. The application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input, allowing SQL metacharacters and commands to be interpreted by the database engine. This weakness aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it operates at the database interaction layer, potentially enabling full database compromise and unauthorized data access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform union-based queries, time-based blind injections, or direct command execution depending on the underlying database system and its configuration.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using iScripts SocialWare platforms, particularly those managing user-generated content or event data. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include potential service disruption, data corruption, and compliance violations. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of stored information, potentially exposing user credentials, personal data, or business-sensitive information. Organizations may face regulatory penalties under data protection laws such as gdpr or hipaa if sensitive information is compromised through such vulnerabilities. The attack surface is relatively narrow but impactful, as it requires specific knowledge of the application's structure and the ability to craft malicious SQL payloads that can bypass existing security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1859 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase. The most effective approach involves adopting prepared statements or parameterized queries to ensure that user input is treated as data rather than executable code. Security measures should include input sanitization routines that filter or escape special characters before database interaction, along with proper error handling that prevents information disclosure. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns, conduct regular security code reviews, and maintain updated vulnerability assessments. Additionally, following the principle of least privilege in database access and implementing proper access controls can limit the damage from successful exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that all input parameters are properly validated before being processed by database operations, aligning with security best practices outlined in the mitre attack framework and industry standards for secure coding practices.