CVE-2008-2823 in PHPeasyblog
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in newsarchive.php in PHPeasyblog (formerly phpeasynews) 1.13 RC2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the post parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2823 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the newsarchive.php component of PHPeasyblog version 1.13 RC2 and earlier. This web application, formerly known as phpeasynews, suffers from insufficient input validation mechanisms that permit malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands through the post parameter. The vulnerability exists in the application's handling of user-supplied data, where the post parameter is directly incorporated into sql query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. This flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database by injecting malicious sql payloads that bypass normal authentication and access controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a specially crafted post parameter value that contains sql injection payload syntax. The application processes this input directly within sql queries, allowing the attacker to execute unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability stems from poor input validation practices and lacks proper sql query parameterization, which are fundamental security controls recommended by the owasp top ten and cwe 89. This weakness falls under the cwe 89 category of sql injection, specifically manifesting as an unauthenticated remote code execution vector through database manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to compromise the entire web application infrastructure. Remote code execution through sql injection can enable attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive user data, modify application behavior, or even gain shell access to the underlying server. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.13 RC2, representing a significant security gap in the application's defensive posture. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform data exfiltration, inject malicious content, or establish persistent access points within the target environment. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2823 should focus on immediate patching of the affected application to the latest secure version. Organizations must implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent sql injection attacks. The recommended approach includes utilizing prepared statements or parameterized queries, which are fundamental defensive measures against sql injection as outlined in the owasp secure coding practices. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring can provide additional layers of protection. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application codebase, ensuring compliance with industry standards such as iso 27001 and nist cybersecurity framework. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and proper sql query construction in web application development practices.