CVE-2008-2203 in Maian Search
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in search.php in Maian Search 1.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the keywords parameter in a search action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2203 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Maian Search 1.1 web application, specifically affecting the search.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user input through the keywords parameter during search operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database queries. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that are fundamental to secure web application development practices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or parameterize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL query constructs. When users perform searches through the Maian Search interface, the keywords parameter is directly concatenated into database queries without adequate sanitization measures. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code that can be executed with the privileges of the database user account under which the web application operates. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. This weakness represents one of the most prevalent and dangerous classes of vulnerabilities in web applications, as it can lead to complete database compromise and potential system infiltration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the affected database. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, and system configurations. Additionally, the vulnerability could allow for data manipulation, deletion, or even the execution of administrative commands on the database server. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects a core search functionality that is likely to be frequently accessed, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to the technique T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol and T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting its classification as a public-facing application exploit that can be leveraged for further lateral movement within compromised networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most direct solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped or parameterized before database interaction. Organizations should implement input sanitization routines that filter or escape special characters commonly used in SQL injection attacks such as single quotes, semicolons, and comment markers. Additionally, the application should employ prepared statements or stored procedures that separate SQL command structure from data, preventing malicious input from altering the intended query execution. Database access controls should be reviewed to ensure that the web application connects using accounts with minimal required privileges, implementing the principle of least privilege to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Security headers and web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth layers, while regular security assessments and code reviews should be implemented to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other application components.