CVE-2008-2678 in Telephone Directory 2008
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Telephone Directory 2008, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) code parameter in a confirm_data action to edit1.php and the (2) id parameter to view_more.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2678 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in the Telephone Directory 2008 web application that specifically targets systems where magic_quotes_gpc is disabled. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input within two distinct script files, creating multiple attack vectors for malicious actors seeking to compromise the system. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL command structures without proper sanitization or parameterization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through two primary attack vectors within the application's codebase. The first vector involves the code parameter within the confirm_data action of the edit1.php script, while the second vector targets the id parameter in the view_more.php script. Both of these parameters receive user input directly without adequate validation or sanitization processes, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL payloads that bypass the application's normal input processing mechanisms. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, the application fails to automatically escape special characters in user input, leaving the database queries vulnerable to manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the underlying database server. This capability allows malicious actors to perform unauthorized data read operations, modify database contents, delete records, and potentially escalate privileges within the database environment. The vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1566 which encompasses credential access through exploitation of web application vulnerabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain comprehensive control over the telephone directory database, potentially accessing sensitive organizational contact information and compromising the confidentiality and integrity of the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query construction throughout the application codebase. The most effective approach involves replacing direct string concatenation of user input with prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate the SQL command structure from the data being processed. Additionally, implementing proper output encoding and input sanitization routines will prevent malicious payloads from being executed. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block common SQL injection attack patterns. The remediation process must include comprehensive code review to identify and address similar vulnerabilities in other application components, ensuring that all user-supplied input is properly validated before being processed by the database layer. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and the dangers of relying on server configuration settings for security protection rather than implementing robust application-level defenses.