CVE-2008-2356 in Archangel Weblog
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in Archangel Weblog 0.90.02 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the post_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2356 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Archangel Weblog 0.90.02 content management system, specifically affecting the index.php script. This weakness enables remote attackers to manipulate database queries through the post_id parameter, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information and system compromise. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the web application's codebase, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when user-supplied input from the post_id parameter is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper escaping or parameterization. This primitive approach to database interaction violates fundamental security principles and creates a direct attack surface where attacker-controlled data can alter the intended flow of database operations. The flaw aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a widespread vulnerability resulting from insufficient input validation and improper query construction techniques. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious post_id values that contain SQL payload sequences, potentially bypassing authentication mechanisms, extracting confidential data, or even modifying database records.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with significant control over the affected web application and its underlying database infrastructure. Remote code execution capabilities may be achievable through advanced exploitation techniques, particularly when combined with other vulnerabilities or when the database server allows for command execution features. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Archangel Weblog was a widely used blogging platform during its era, meaning that numerous systems could be potentially compromised. This vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1046, covering network service scanning, as attackers would typically need to identify and probe vulnerable systems before exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2356 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries within the affected application code. The most effective remediation involves implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL command structure from user data, ensuring that malicious input cannot alter the intended query execution path. Additionally, input sanitization measures should be deployed to filter or escape special characters that could be used in SQL injection attempts. System administrators should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns, while regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application stack. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to industry standards such as those defined by the Open Web Application Security Project, which emphasize proper input validation and output encoding as fundamental defense mechanisms against injection attacks.