CVE-2008-2556 in PHP Visit Counter
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in read.php in PHP Visit Counter 0.4 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the datespan parameter in a read action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2556 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the PHP Visit Counter 0.4 software and earlier versions. This vulnerability specifically affects the read.php component of the application, which is designed to track and display website visitor statistics. The flaw manifests when the application processes the datespan parameter during a read action, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database query execution flow. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to execute commands directly against the underlying database without requiring authentication or privileged access to the application itself.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the PHP Visit Counter application. When users interact with the read.php script and provide a datespan parameter, the application fails to adequately sanitize this input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This lack of proper input filtering enables attackers to manipulate the SQL query structure by injecting malicious SQL syntax. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution vector because the attacker can leverage the SQL injection to perform various database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion. The attack surface is broad as any user with access to the application's read functionality can potentially exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications that rely on the PHP Visit Counter for analytics.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain access to all visitor data stored in the database, potentially including personally identifiable information, session data, or other confidential metrics. The vulnerability also enables attackers to escalate their privileges within the database environment, potentially allowing them to execute administrative commands or even gain shell access to the underlying server if the database user has elevated permissions. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning for web applications that handle sensitive user data or business-critical information, as it provides an attacker with a direct pathway to database-level access. The impact aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which describes the use of application layer protocols for data exfiltration and command execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2556 require immediate action to address the underlying SQL injection vulnerability. The most effective approach involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase, specifically targeting the read.php component where the vulnerability occurs. Organizations should upgrade to the latest version of PHP Visit Counter where this vulnerability has been patched, as the maintainers have addressed the issue in subsequent releases. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization techniques including the use of prepared statements and stored procedures can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense, though these should not be considered substitutes for proper code-level fixes. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews to identify and remediate similar injection flaws across the entire application stack. Organizations should implement comprehensive logging and monitoring of database access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain audit trails for security incident response activities.