CVE-2008-1871 in Links Directory
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in links.php in Scriptsagent.com Links Directory 1.1 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cat_id parameter in a list action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1871 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the links.php script of Scriptsagent.com Links Directory version 1.1. This vulnerability specifically targets the cat_id parameter when processing list actions, creating an exploitable condition that allows authenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database. The flaw exists due to inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql query constructs. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is directly concatenated into sql commands without proper escaping or parameterization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to possess valid authentication credentials to access the application, which limits the attack surface but does not eliminate the severity of the issue. When an authenticated user submits a malicious cat_id parameter value, the application fails to properly sanitize this input before incorporating it into sql statements. This allows attackers to manipulate the intended sql query execution flow, potentially enabling them to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the database system. The vulnerability specifically impacts the list action functionality, suggesting that the sql injection occurs during the processing of category listings where the cat_id parameter controls which set of links to retrieve from the database.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate the entire links directory functionality. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise, allowing attackers to view all stored links, user information, and potentially access other connected systems if the database server has broader network access. The authenticated nature of the attack means that attackers must first obtain valid user credentials, but this does not significantly reduce the risk since compromised accounts can still lead to full database access. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 for application layer protocol usage and T1566.001 for credential access through social engineering or account compromise, as the attack chain typically involves gaining initial access through legitimate user credentials before exploiting the sql injection vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1871 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application code. The most effective remediation involves replacing direct sql concatenation with prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate sql code from data values. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and input sanitization routines can prevent malicious data from being processed. The application should validate the cat_id parameter to ensure it contains only expected numeric values and reject any input that does not conform to the expected data type. Organizations should also implement proper logging and monitoring to detect unusual parameter values that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security patches should be applied immediately to upgrade to versions that address this vulnerability, as the affected Scriptsagent.com Links Directory 1.1 version is likely to contain additional unpatched security issues. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in web application development, where user input should never be directly trusted or concatenated into database queries without proper validation and sanitization processes.