CVE-2008-1936 in Classifieds Caffe
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in Classifieds Caffe allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cat_id parameter in an add action. NOTE: this issue might be site-specific.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1936 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Classifieds Caffe application's index.php script. This security weakness specifically manifests when processing the cat_id parameter during an add action operation, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database through crafted malicious input. The vulnerability resides in the application's insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary sql commands that execute with the privileges of the database user account.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows standard sql injection attack patterns where the cat_id parameter fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into sql query construction. When an attacker submits malicious sql code through the cat_id parameter during an add operation, the application processes this input without adequate sanitization, resulting in the execution of unintended sql commands against the backend database system. This flaw operates under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection vulnerabilities as persistent security issues affecting data integrity and confidentiality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as remote attackers can potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive user information, modify database records, or even escalate privileges within the application environment. The site-specific nature mentioned in the vulnerability description suggests that exploitation may require specific conditions or configurations within the target environment, though the core vulnerability remains exploitable across different implementations. This type of attack directly violates the principle of least privilege and can result in complete database compromise, user account takeover, and potential lateral movement within network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. The application code must be updated to utilize prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate sql command structure from data input, effectively neutralizing the injection threat. Additionally, input sanitization measures including proper escaping of special characters, length validation, and type checking should be implemented to strengthen the application's defenses. Security practices should align with the ATT&CK framework's T1190 technique for exploitation of vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for regular security assessments and code reviews to identify and remediate similar sql injection weaknesses. The remediation process should also include implementing proper error handling that does not expose database structure information to end users, as this can aid attackers in developing more sophisticated exploitation strategies.