CVE-2008-2457 in PHP-Jokesite
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in jokes_category.php in PHP-Jokesite 2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cat_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2457 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the php-jokesite 2.0 web application, specifically affecting the jokes_category.php script. This vulnerability exposes the application to remote code execution risks through improper input validation mechanisms. The flaw manifests when the application fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied data passed through the cat_id parameter, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database queries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's direct incorporation of user input into sql command construction without proper parameterization or input filtering. When a remote attacker submits a malicious value through the cat_id parameter, the application processes this input directly within the sql query structure, allowing attackers to inject additional sql commands that execute with the privileges of the database user. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category of CWE-89 sql injection, which is classified as a high-risk vulnerability due to its potential for data breach and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can enable attackers to perform complete database manipulation including data deletion, modification, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the web application's data repository, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges within the database environment. According to the attack technique framework, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 application layer protocol and T1213.002 data from information repositories, representing a classic database exploitation vector that can lead to broader system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2457 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query construction throughout the application codebase. The most effective remediation involves adopting prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate sql command structure from user data, thereby preventing the injection of malicious sql fragments. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization measures including input length validation, character set restrictions, and output encoding can significantly reduce exploitation risk. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the entire application stack, following industry standards such as OWASP top ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks for comprehensive vulnerability management.