CVE-2008-2523 in Autopatcher server
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Autopatcher server plugin in RakNet before 3.23 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2017
The CVE-2008-2523 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the autopatcher server plugin of raknet versions prior to 3.23. This vulnerability exists in the context of networked game server software where the autopatcher component is responsible for managing and distributing updates to client applications. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious sql commands into the system through unspecified input vectors, potentially compromising the entire underlying database infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects the core update mechanism of game servers, which often contain sensitive user data and system configuration information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the autopatcher plugin's sql query construction process. When the plugin processes update requests or user data from remote clients, it fails to properly escape or parameterize sql input parameters before incorporating them into database queries. This allows attackers to manipulate the sql execution flow by injecting malicious sql syntax that can alter, retrieve, or delete database content. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability could be triggered through multiple entry points within the plugin's communication protocols, making it particularly difficult to fully patch or secure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or corruption. Attackers who successfully exploit this flaw can execute arbitrary sql commands on the affected database server, potentially gaining full administrative control over the entire database system. This could lead to complete data breaches, unauthorized access to user accounts, modification of game server configurations, or even the installation of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects game server administrators who rely on raknet's autopatcher functionality for maintaining their game environments, creating a significant risk to online gaming platforms and their user communities. The exploitability of this vulnerability is further exacerbated by the fact that it requires no authentication, making it accessible to any remote attacker with network access to the affected server.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2523 should focus on immediate software updates to raknet version 3.23 or later, which contain the necessary sql injection protections. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation at all network entry points, utilizing parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent sql injection attacks. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of vulnerable systems, while regular security auditing and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 sql injection and can be categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services, representing a common attack vector that has been extensively documented in cybersecurity literature. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring systems can provide additional layers of protection against such attacks.