CVE-2008-2900 in PHPAuction
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in item.php in PHPAuction 3.2 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-2008-2900 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the PHPAuction 3.2 web application, specifically affecting the item.php script. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user input through the id parameter, which is processed without proper sanitization or validation. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the application's database queries, potentially compromising the entire backend infrastructure. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its remote exploitability, meaning attackers do not require physical access to the system to leverage the weakness.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the item.php script where the id parameter is directly incorporated into SQL queries without adequate escaping or parameterization. This practice violates fundamental security principles and creates an environment where malicious actors can manipulate database operations through crafted input. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a weakness where untrusted data is embedded into SQL commands without proper sanitization. The attack vector operates through HTTP requests containing specially crafted id parameter values that, when processed by the vulnerable application, alter the intended database query execution path.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, encompassing complete system compromise and potential data destruction. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands, which could result in unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. Attackers might leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, extract sensitive information such as user credentials, customer data, or administrative details stored within the database. The attack could also facilitate further penetration attempts by enabling attackers to enumerate database schemas, extract additional sensitive information, or even gain shell access to the underlying server. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 for application layer protocol usage and T1046 for network service scanning.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2900 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase, particularly in the item.php script and related database interaction functions. Organizations should enforce strict input sanitization measures, including character set validation and length restrictions on the id parameter. Additionally, implementing proper error handling that prevents database error messages from being exposed to end users helps reduce information leakage that could aid attackers. Security measures should also include regular code reviews focusing on database query construction, implementation of web application firewalls, and adherence to secure coding practices that prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future development cycles. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to ensure that all user inputs are properly validated before database interaction occurs, following the principle of least privilege for database connections and implementing proper access controls to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.