CVE-2008-2208 in Maian Greeting
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in Maian Greeting 2.1 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 • 11/14/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2208 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Maian Greeting 2.1 web application, specifically affecting the index.php script during search operations. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user input through the keywords parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious sql commands directly into the application's database query execution flow, potentially enabling full database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the application's search functionality. When users submit search queries through the keywords parameter, the application directly incorporates this input into sql statements without appropriate escaping or parameterization techniques. This design flaw aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes sql injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental weakness in application security where untrusted data is embedded into sql queries without proper sanitization. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where user-supplied data transitions from input to execution within the database context, creating an attack surface that adversaries can exploit to manipulate database operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary sql commands on the underlying database server. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise, data exfiltration, unauthorized user account creation, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, modify database content, or even gain access to other systems that share the same database server. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications handling sensitive information.
Organizations utilizing Maian Greeting 2.1 should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization measures to prevent sql injection attacks. The most effective remediation involves implementing proper parameterized queries or prepared statements that separate sql command structure from data values, ensuring that user input is never directly embedded in sql execution contexts. Additionally, input validation should be enforced at multiple layers including application-level filtering, web application firewalls, and database-level access controls. Security measures should also include regular security assessments and code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application's codebase. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to established security frameworks such as those defined in the mitre ATT&CK framework, particularly within the execution and privilege escalation tactics where sql injection serves as a common initial access vector for more sophisticated attacks.