CVE-2008-2763 in Absolute Live Support XE
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in search.asp in Xigla Absolute Live Support XE 5.1 allows remote authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the orderby parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2763 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Xigla Absolute Live Support XE 5.1 web application. This vulnerability specifically targets the search.asp component where user input is improperly sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. The flaw exists in the handling of the orderby parameter, which is processed without adequate input validation or parameterization, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database operations.
This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration classification of CWE-89 SQL Injection, which is categorized as a persistent and severe weakness in web application security. The attack vector requires an authenticated administrator account, which significantly reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk entirely. The authenticated nature of the exploit means that an attacker must first compromise administrative credentials through social engineering, credential stuffing, or other means before they can leverage this vulnerability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it allows remote attackers with administrative privileges to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the database. This capability enables full database access, potentially leading to data exfiltration, data modification, or complete database compromise. Attackers could extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, system configurations, and potentially escalate their privileges to gain deeper system access. The vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor into the database layer, bypassing normal application security controls and authentication mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input handling within the search.asp script where the orderby parameter is directly concatenated into SQL query strings without appropriate sanitization or parameterization techniques. This primitive approach to database query construction creates an environment where malicious input can alter the intended query structure, allowing attackers to inject their own SQL commands. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols, as it exploits web application vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to backend database systems. Organizations should implement proper input validation, parameterized queries, and regular security assessments to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited in production environments. Mitigation strategies include applying the vendor-provided patch, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting comprehensive security testing to identify similar injection vulnerabilities across the application stack.