CVE-2008-1939 in Philboard
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in W1L3D4 Philboard 1.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) id and (2) topic parameters to (a) philboard_reply.asp, and the (3) forumid parameter to (b) philboard_newtopic.asp, different vectors than CVE-2007-2641 and CVE-2007-0920.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The CVE-2008-1939 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in W1L3D4 Philboard version 1.0 that exposes multiple SQL injection attack vectors through web application interfaces. This vulnerability specifically targets two distinct ASP pages within the philboard application, creating pathways for remote attackers to manipulate database queries and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The flaw manifests in three separate parameter inputs that directly influence SQL query construction, making it particularly dangerous as it provides multiple entry points for exploitation. The vulnerability is classified as a classic SQL injection issue where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into database commands, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL code that executes within the database context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and parameter sanitization within the ASP scripts. When the application processes requests to philboard_reply.asp, it accepts the id and topic parameters without adequate filtering or escaping of special SQL characters, enabling attackers to inject malicious SQL syntax. Similarly, the philboard_newtopic.asp script fails to properly validate the forumid parameter, creating an additional attack surface. These flaws align with CWE-89 which defines SQL injection as the insertion of malicious SQL code into query statements through user input, and are consistent with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the exploitation of SQL injection vulnerabilities to manipulate database operations and extract confidential information. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of proper input sanitization practices, where user-controllable data flows directly into database queries without appropriate escaping or parameterization.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-1939 extends beyond simple data retrieval to encompass full database compromise possibilities. Attackers exploiting these vulnerabilities can execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially gaining access to administrative privileges, extracting sensitive user data, modifying database content, or even performing destructive operations on the underlying database system. The multiple attack vectors increase the probability of successful exploitation, as an attacker only needs to find one vulnerable parameter to achieve their objectives. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that handle user-generated content through forum-style interfaces, where the combination of user input and database interaction creates numerous potential injection points. The impact is compounded by the fact that these vulnerabilities are not isolated incidents but rather multiple interconnected flaws that can be leveraged together to maximize exploitation effectiveness.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1939 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the affected application. The primary defense mechanism involves using parameterized SQL queries or stored procedures that separate SQL command structure from user data, preventing malicious input from altering the intended query execution. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization routines that filter or escape special characters such as single quotes, semicolons, and comment markers can significantly reduce exploitability. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns, while conducting regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The remediation process must include comprehensive code review to ensure all database interaction points properly validate and sanitize user input, addressing the root cause of the vulnerability rather than merely patching individual symptoms. Given the age of the affected software version, upgrading to a supported version or migrating to a more secure forum platform represents the most effective long-term solution to eliminate these exposure points.