CVE-2008-2834 in Scientific Image DataBase
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in projects.php in Scientific Image DataBase 0.41 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2834 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Scientific Image DataBase version 0.41 application. This security weakness specifically affects the projects.php script where user input is improperly handled, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through the id parameter. The vulnerability falls under the well-established category of CWE-89 SQL Injection as defined by the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, which classifies this as a persistent and dangerous flaw that can lead to complete database compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the id parameter in the projects.php script. The application fails to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL query constructions, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands that execute within the database context. This flaw enables unauthorized users to perform operations such as data retrieval, modification, deletion, or even administrative actions depending on the database permissions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the database layer where the attacker can potentially extract sensitive information, modify critical data, or gain deeper access to the underlying system infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and potentially achieve full system compromise. In the context of a scientific image database, this could result in the exposure of confidential research data, tampering with critical scientific records, or disruption of research operations that rely on data integrity. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as attackers might use this flaw to establish command and control channels or to exfiltrate data through database connections. Organizations using Scientific Image DataBase 0.41 are particularly at risk since this vulnerability allows for remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools and malicious actors seeking to compromise research environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2834 must focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. The most effective remediation involves using prepared statements or parameterized queries throughout the application code, ensuring that user input is never directly concatenated into SQL commands. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and database permissions can limit the damage from successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, while maintaining up-to-date security patches and conducting regular vulnerability assessments. The remediation process should include comprehensive code review to identify similar patterns throughout the application, as SQL injection vulnerabilities often occur in multiple locations within complex applications. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to OWASP Top Ten security guidelines to prevent such fundamental flaws that can compromise entire systems.