CVE-2008-2522 in Battlenet Clan Script
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in members.php in Battle.net Clan Script for PHP 1.5.3 and earlier, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the showmember parameter in a members action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The CVE-2008-2522 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Battle.net Clan Script for PHP version 1.5.3 and earlier installations. This vulnerability specifically targets the members.php script where the showmember parameter in the members action is processed without adequate input sanitization. The flaw occurs exclusively when the php configuration setting magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, which removes the automatic escaping of single quotes, double quotes, and backslashes in GET, POST, and COOKIE data. This configuration oversight creates a direct pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands into the application's database layer, potentially compromising the entire backend system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the absence of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the members.php script. When a user submits a request containing a maliciously crafted showmember parameter, the application fails to properly escape or validate the input before incorporating it into sql query construction. This allows attackers to append additional sql statements that execute with the privileges of the web application's database user account. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 sql injection, which is classified as a weakness in the input validation and sanitization of database query parameters. The attack vector specifically aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications, where adversaries leverage poorly validated input to manipulate database queries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification to encompass complete system compromise. An attacker could potentially execute commands such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE operations against the database, leading to unauthorized data access, data corruption, or even complete database destruction. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of all user data stored within the clan management system, including member information, clan details, and potentially sensitive administrative credentials. Additionally, successful exploitation could enable attackers to escalate privileges within the database, potentially leading to further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects the core membership management functionality, which typically contains critical user information and system access controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2522 require immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures to protect affected systems. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of the Battle.net Clan Script for PHP, as this addresses the root cause of the vulnerability through proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should also implement proper input validation at the application level by utilizing prepared statements or parameterized queries instead of direct string concatenation in sql operations. Additionally, the magic_quotes_gpc configuration should be properly managed, though it's important to note that this setting is deprecated in modern php versions and should not be relied upon as the sole defense mechanism. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense, while regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. System administrators should also ensure that database user accounts have minimal required privileges and that proper access controls are implemented to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.