CVE-2008-2118 in Project Alumni
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in info.php in Project Alumni 1.0.9 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2025
The CVE-2008-2118 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw discovered in Project Alumni version 1.0.9, specifically within the info.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user input through the id parameter, creating a dangerous pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql command structures. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities, making it a well-documented and severe security weakness in web applications. According to the attack pattern taxonomy, this represents a classic sql injection attack vector that allows remote code execution through database manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker supplies a malicious value through the id parameter in the info.php script. The application fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before using it in sql queries, enabling attackers to inject arbitrary sql commands. This allows for complete database access, data manipulation, and potentially full system compromise depending on the database user permissions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables remote attackers to execute commands without requiring authentication or direct system access. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even escalate privileges within the application environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-2118 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with extensive control over the affected application's database infrastructure. This vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, data loss, and unauthorized access to sensitive alumni information that the application was designed to protect. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system. From an att&ck framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple tactics including credential access, defense evasion, and privilege escalation, making it a particularly dangerous weakness in the application's security posture. Organizations running Project Alumni 1.0.9 are exposed to significant risk of data breaches and system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2118 must focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. The most effective approach involves using prepared statements with parameterized queries, which separate sql code from data, making injection attacks impossible. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization, output encoding, and least privilege database access controls can significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also deploy web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense in depth strategies, as outlined in industry standards such as the owasp top 10 and iso/iec 27001 security frameworks. Organizations should also ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to quickly address known vulnerabilities and maintain up-to-date security measures.