CVE-2008-1864 in Freelancers
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in project.php in Prozilla Freelancers allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the project parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1864 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Prozilla Freelancers web application, specifically affecting the project.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user input through the project parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the application's database queries, potentially enabling complete compromise of the underlying database system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or parameterize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL query constructs. When the project parameter is submitted through the web interface, the application directly concatenates this input into database queries without appropriate input validation mechanisms. This primitive approach to input handling creates an exploitable pathway where attackers can manipulate the SQL execution flow by injecting malicious SQL syntax that alters the intended query behavior.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations using Prozilla Freelancers, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the database environment. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the system, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to potentially allow full system compromise through database-level attacks.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications, and corresponds to tactics outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1071 for application layer protocols. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement input validation measures, including parameterized queries, proper escaping of special characters, and comprehensive input sanitization routines. Additionally, deploying web application firewalls and implementing proper database access controls can provide layered defense mechanisms against such attacks.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the application to ensure proper input validation and parameterization of all database queries. Security teams should also conduct thorough code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities throughout the application codebase and implement automated security testing procedures to prevent future occurrences. Regular database audit trails should be established to monitor for suspicious query patterns, while network segmentation can limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability serves as a stark reminder of the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against common web application attacks.