CVE-2008-2380 in Courtier-authlib
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in authpgsqllib.c in Courier-Authlib before 0.62.0, when a non-Latin locale Postgres database is used, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via query parameters containing apostrophes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2380 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Courier-Authlib authentication library that affected versions prior to 0.62.0. This security weakness specifically manifests when the system operates with a non-Latin locale Postgres database configuration, creating a dangerous condition where attacker-controlled input can be improperly processed and executed as database commands. The flaw occurs in the authpgsqllib.c component, which handles PostgreSQL authentication operations, making it a core element of the authentication infrastructure that could be exploited to compromise system security.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves improper input sanitization and parameter handling within the PostgreSQL authentication library. When query parameters containing apostrophes are processed through the authentication flow, the system fails to properly escape or sanitize these special characters before incorporating them into SQL statements. This oversight creates a classic SQL injection vector where malicious input can manipulate the intended database query structure, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands that execute with the privileges of the authenticated database user. The vulnerability is specifically triggered when using non-Latin locales, suggesting that character encoding handling and locale-specific string processing routines contribute to the improper sanitization behavior.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it can enable complete database compromise and potentially system-wide access. Attackers exploiting this flaw could execute unauthorized database operations including but not limited to data extraction, modification, or deletion, privilege escalation within the database system, and in severe cases, gaining access to underlying operating system resources through database server capabilities. The authentication library's role in the system architecture means that successful exploitation could compromise the entire authentication infrastructure, potentially affecting multiple services that rely on Courier-Authlib for user validation and access control.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with the attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of SQL Injection. Organizations using affected versions of Courier-Authlib should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to version 0.62.0 or later, implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries, and conducting thorough security assessments of authentication systems. Additional protective measures should include database user privilege restrictions, network segmentation of database servers, and comprehensive monitoring for suspicious database activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of considering locale-specific behaviors in security implementations, as the interaction between internationalization settings and security controls can create unexpected attack surfaces that require careful analysis and testing.