CVE-2008-2384 in Mod Auth Mysql
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in mod_auth_mysql.c in the mod-auth-mysql (aka libapache2-mod-auth-mysql) module for the Apache HTTP Server 2.x, when configured to use a multibyte character set that allows a \ (backslash) as part of the character encoding, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified inputs in a login request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2384 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the mod-auth-mysql module of the Apache HTTP Server 2.x ecosystem. This module serves as an authentication handler that integrates MySQL databases with Apache web servers, enabling user authentication through database queries. The flaw specifically manifests when the module is configured to utilize multibyte character sets that permit the backslash character as part of their encoding scheme, creating a dangerous condition where user input can be manipulated to inject malicious SQL commands into the authentication process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the mod_auth_mysql.c source code. When users submit login credentials through a web application that employs this authentication module, the module processes the input without proper escaping or encoding of special characters, particularly the backslash character. This oversight allows attackers to craft malicious input that bypasses normal authentication mechanisms and directly manipulates the underlying MySQL database queries. The vulnerability is particularly insidious because it operates at the authentication layer, meaning successful exploitation could grant attackers unauthorized access to the web application's user database and potentially escalate privileges within the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data breaches, privilege escalation, and system compromise. Attackers could leverage this flaw to extract sensitive user credentials, modify authentication records, or even gain administrative access to the web application. The vulnerability affects Apache HTTP Server versions 2.x that have mod-auth-mysql enabled and configured with specific multibyte character sets, making it particularly relevant for internationalized web applications that support Unicode or other multi-byte encodings. From an attacker's perspective, this represents a low-effort, high-impact vector that requires minimal reconnaissance and can be exploited through standard login forms, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Security practitioners should address this vulnerability through immediate patching of affected Apache installations, ensuring that mod-auth-mysql modules are updated to versions that properly sanitize input characters. Organizations should also implement proper character set configuration practices, avoiding multibyte encodings that permit backslash characters in their encoding schemes where possible. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious authentication patterns. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection flaws, and represents a classic example of improper input validation that enables code injection attacks. The attack pattern follows ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications, specifically targeting authentication mechanisms to gain unauthorized access. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of mod-auth-mysql usage and ensure that proper security configurations are implemented across their web infrastructure to prevent exploitation of similar authentication-related vulnerabilities.