CVE-2008-2914 in PHP JOBWEBSITE PRO
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in jobseekers/JobSearch3.php (aka the search module) in PHP JOBWEBSITE PRO allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) kw or (2) position parameter. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2914 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the PHP JOBWEBSITE PRO application's jobseekers/JobSearch3.php module. This vulnerability specifically affects the search functionality of the platform, making it susceptible to remote code execution through maliciously crafted SQL commands. The flaw manifests in two primary parameter vectors: the kw parameter and the position parameter, both of which are processed without adequate input validation or sanitization measures. This allows attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries by injecting malicious SQL code through these interface points, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data or executing arbitrary commands on the database server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or parameterize user input before incorporating it into SQL query structures. When users submit search terms through the kw or position parameters, the application directly concatenates these inputs into database queries without appropriate security measures such as prepared statements or input sanitization. This primitive approach to handling user data creates an exploitable pathway where attackers can inject SQL syntax that alters the intended query execution flow. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, making it a classic example of SQL injection exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and gain complete control over the database backend. An attacker could potentially extract sensitive information including job seeker profiles, employer data, and potentially system credentials stored within the database. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or knowledge of internal network structures to exploit the flaw. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in production environments where the application may be exposed to the internet without proper network segmentation or additional security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2914 should focus on implementing robust input validation and parameterized query execution throughout the application. The most effective approach involves converting all dynamic SQL queries to use prepared statements with parameter binding, ensuring that user input is never directly concatenated into SQL command structures. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization measures including character set validation, length restrictions, and pattern matching can help prevent malicious payloads from reaching the database layer. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should also be deployed to monitor and block suspicious query patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to gain unauthorized access to systems and data. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in their web applications and ensure compliance with industry security standards such as ISO 27001 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.