CVE-2008-2688 in Pilot Cart
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in pilot.asp in ASPilot Pilot Cart 7.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the article parameter in a kb action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2688 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the ASPilot Pilot Cart 7.3 web application, specifically affecting the pilot.asp component. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL database queries. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly through the article parameter when the kb action is invoked, effectively bypassing normal application security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the article parameter in the kb action to include malicious SQL syntax. This allows the attacker to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information, modifying database content, or even escalating privileges within the database environment. The flaw stems from the application's failure to implement proper parameterized queries or input sanitization techniques, making it susceptible to classic SQL injection attacks that have been documented in CWE-89 for decades. The vulnerability specifically impacts the application's database interaction layer where user input flows directly into SQL execution contexts without adequate protection mechanisms.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using ASPilot Pilot Cart 7.3, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can lead to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract confidential data such as user credentials, customer information, and business-sensitive records stored within the database. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as the vulnerability could allow attackers to modify or delete critical database entries, potentially causing system downtime or data corruption. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system, making the vulnerability particularly attractive for widespread exploitation. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized query usage within the affected application. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization techniques that filter or escape special characters commonly used in SQL injection attacks, including single quotes, semicolons, and comment delimiters. The most effective long-term solution involves migrating to parameterized queries or prepared statements that separate SQL code from user input, preventing malicious code injection regardless of input content. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls, input validation layers, and regular security code reviews can provide additional protection against similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and access controls to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that all user input paths are properly sanitized while maintaining application functionality.