CVE-2008-2456 in ComicShout
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in ComicShout 2.5 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the comic_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2456 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the ComicShout content management system version 2.5 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the index.php script and specifically targets the comic_id parameter, which serves as the primary entry point for malicious sql command execution. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the application's database interaction logic, creating a direct pathway for remote attackers to manipulate the underlying sql queries through crafted input values. Such vulnerabilities fall under the category of cwe-89 sql injection as defined by the common weakness enumeration framework, which classifies this as a persistent and highly dangerous weakness in web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to inject malicious sql code through the comic_id parameter, bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. When the application processes the comic_id value without proper sanitization, it directly incorporates user-supplied input into sql queries, enabling attackers to manipulate database operations. This can result in unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core indexing functionality of the comic management system, making it accessible to anyone with knowledge of the affected parameter structure. Attackers can exploit this weakness to extract sensitive information such as user credentials, database schema details, and other confidential data stored within the application's backend database.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-2456 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform complete system compromise and persistent access to the affected environment. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish backdoors, modify application behavior, and potentially escalate privileges within the database environment. The attack surface is broad since the vulnerability affects the core functionality of comic management, making it attractive to threat actors targeting web applications. This vulnerability directly aligns with attack techniques documented in the attack framework, particularly those involving command injection and database exploitation. Organizations using affected versions of ComicShout face significant risk of data breaches, system downtime, and potential regulatory compliance violations due to the exposure of sensitive information through unauthorized database access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2456 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should upgrade to patched versions of ComicShout, as the vulnerability was addressed in later releases through improved input sanitization and query parameterization. Implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules can provide additional protection layers against similar vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other application components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices, particularly those recommended by owasp and the cwe guidelines, which emphasize the use of prepared statements and proper input validation to prevent sql injection attacks. System administrators should also implement monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain audit trails for forensic analysis.