CVE-2008-2453 in PHP Classifieds Script
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in PHP Classifieds Script allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the fatherID parameter to (1) browse.php and (2) search.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2453 represents a critical security flaw in the PHP Classifieds Script that exposes multiple pathways for remote attackers to perform unauthorized database operations. This vulnerability manifests through SQL injection vectors that specifically target the fatherID parameter within two key application endpoints: browse.php and search.php. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into database query constructions. Attackers can exploit this weakness to manipulate the underlying database structure and execute malicious SQL commands that bypass normal authentication and authorization controls. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as it enables full database manipulation capabilities including data modification, deletion, and potential privilege escalation within the application's database environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications. This weakness occurs when application developers fail to properly escape or parameterize user input before incorporating it into SQL query strings, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious SQL code. The attack vector operates through the HTTP request parameters where the fatherID value is directly passed to database queries without appropriate sanitization measures. When an attacker submits crafted malicious input through the fatherID parameter, the application processes this unvalidated data directly within SQL execution contexts, allowing the injected SQL commands to execute with the privileges of the database user account that the web application uses for database access. This vulnerability specifically affects the PHP Classifieds Script version 2.0 and potentially other versions within the same codebase that share similar input handling patterns.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-2453 extends far beyond immediate data compromise as it provides attackers with persistent access to sensitive application data and system resources. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract confidential information including user credentials, personal data, and business-critical information stored within the classifieds database. The vulnerability's presence in both browse.php and search.php endpoints means that attackers can potentially exploit it across multiple user interaction points within the application, increasing the attack surface and potential damage. Database administrators may also face challenges in tracking unauthorized access attempts since the malicious SQL operations can be executed in ways that appear to be legitimate user activities. Additionally, this vulnerability can serve as a stepping stone for further attacks within the network infrastructure, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges and move laterally through connected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2453 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query construction techniques to prevent unauthorized SQL command execution. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures that filter or escape special characters commonly used in SQL injection attacks including single quotes, semicolons, and comment markers. The recommended approach involves transitioning from dynamic SQL query construction to prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL command structure from user data. Security patches should be applied immediately to address the root cause of the vulnerability, and application developers should adopt secure coding practices that align with industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, while access controls should be reviewed to ensure that database accounts used by the web application have the minimum necessary privileges. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application codebase and ensure that all input handling mechanisms properly validate and sanitize user-supplied data before processing.