CVE-2008-1889 in AutoTutorials
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in viewcat.php in XplodPHP AutoTutorials 2.1 and earlier, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1889 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the XplodPHP AutoTutorials content management system version 2.1 and earlier. This weakness exists in the viewcat.php script which processes user input without proper sanitization or validation, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability specifically targets the id parameter which is directly incorporated into sql statements without adequate protection mechanisms.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from the absence of input validation and proper parameter sanitization when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled on the web server. In php applications, magic_quotes_gpc serves as a built-in protection mechanism that automatically escapes special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data. When this feature is disabled, applications must implement their own input validation and sanitization measures. The viewcat.php script fails to implement such protections, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql payloads directly through the id parameter.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database system. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise including data extraction, modification, or deletion. Attackers might gain unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the application's database such as user credentials, configuration data, or application content. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the target system.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws in software applications. This weakness falls under the broader category of injection vulnerabilities that represent one of the most prevalent and dangerous security flaws in web applications. The attack vector follows patterns consistent with the ATT&CK framework's T1190 technique for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include potential system compromise and persistence mechanisms that attackers might establish through database manipulation.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase. The most effective approach involves upgrading to a patched version of XplodPHP AutoTutorials that addresses this vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should ensure that magic_quotes_gpc is properly configured or implement comprehensive input sanitization routines. Database access controls should be reviewed to limit the privileges of application accounts, and proper error handling should be implemented to prevent information leakage. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other application components.