CVE-2008-2902 in AskMe Pro
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in profile.php in AlstraSoft AskMe Pro 2.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter. NOTE: The que_id parameter to forum_answer.php is already covered by CVE-2007-4085.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2902 represents a critical sql injection flaw in AlstraSoft AskMe Pro version 2.1 and earlier, specifically affecting the profile.php script. This vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a severe security weakness that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through unvalidated input. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize or validate user input passed through the id parameter, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands into the database layer.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers manipulate the id parameter in the profile.php script to inject malicious sql code. This injection allows attackers to execute unauthorized database operations including but not limited to data extraction, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables full database access without authentication, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges and gain complete control over the application's data repository. The attack vector is straightforward as it requires only a web browser and knowledge of the vulnerable parameter structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform extensive database manipulation and potentially escalate to system-level access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive user information, modify database records, or even inject malicious code that could compromise the entire application infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the AskMe Pro platform, which is designed for user question and answer management, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit user data or disrupt service availability. This type of vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the mitre attack framework where such injection attacks are categorized under the execution and persistence phases.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2902 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should immediately upgrade to a patched version of AlstraSoft AskMe Pro beyond version 2.1 to address this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input sanitization measures can provide additional layers of protection. Security professionals should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and implement proper database access controls to minimize the potential impact of such attacks. The remediation process should include thorough code review to ensure all input parameters are properly validated and that the application follows secure coding practices as recommended by owasp and other industry security standards.