CVE-2008-2087 in Web Hosting Directory Script
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in search_result.php in Softbiz Web Host Directory Script, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the host_id parameter, a different vector than CVE-2005-3817.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2087 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Softbiz Web Host Directory Script, specifically in the search_result.php component. This weakness manifests when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, creating an exploitable condition that enables remote attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input. The vulnerability operates through the host_id parameter, which serves as the primary attack vector for executing unauthorized SQL commands against the underlying database system. Unlike previous similar vulnerabilities such as CVE-2005-3817, this particular flaw demonstrates a distinct exploitation pathway that requires specific environmental conditions to be effective. The technical implementation involves the direct concatenation of user-supplied input into SQL query strings without proper sanitization or parameterization, which fundamentally violates secure coding practices and database security principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary database commands with the privileges of the web application's database user. This can result in complete database compromise, including data exfiltration, modification of directory listings, user account manipulation, and potentially lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal prerequisites beyond having access to the web application and identifying the specific search_result.php endpoint with magic_quotes_gpc disabled. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform union-based SQL injection attacks, where malicious payloads are crafted to extract sensitive information from database tables, including administrative credentials, user data, and system configuration details. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and it maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities and T1071.3 for application layer protocol usage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2087 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent user input from being interpreted as SQL commands. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied data is properly escaped or sanitized before inclusion in database queries, and that the magic_quotes_gpc directive is either enabled or that application-level input sanitization is consistently applied. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Database access controls should be strictly enforced, limiting the privileges of the web application's database user account to only those operations necessary for legitimate application functionality. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities throughout the application codebase, with particular attention to areas where dynamic SQL queries are constructed. The vulnerability highlights the importance of defense-in-depth strategies and proper security configuration management, as disabling magic_quotes_gpc without implementing proper input validation creates a dangerous security exposure that can be exploited by remote attackers with minimal technical expertise.