CVE-2008-2968 in Academic Web Tools
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in rating.php in Academic Web Tools (AWT YEKTA) 1.4.3.1, and 1.4.2.8 and earlier, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the book_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2968 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Academic Web Tools (AWT YEKTA) platform version 1.4.3.1 and earlier versions including 1.4.2.8. This vulnerability specifically affects the rating.php script which is part of the academic web tools suite designed for educational institutions. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to manipulate database queries through the book_id parameter.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of the book_id parameter within the rating.php script. When users submit ratings for academic books through the web interface, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape the book_id value before incorporating it into sql queries. This lack of input sanitization creates a direct pathway for attackers to inject malicious sql code that gets executed within the database context. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses in software applications.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents severe risks to academic institutions using AWT YEKTA platforms. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary sql commands on the underlying database system, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive academic data including student records, course information, and bibliographic databases. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers could modify or delete critical academic information, disrupt services, or even escalate privileges within the database environment. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the attack tree framework where initial access through web application exploitation leads to privilege escalation and data compromise.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical expertise and can be accomplished through standard sql injection techniques. Attackers typically craft malicious book_id values containing sql payload sequences that bypass input validation and execute unauthorized database operations. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system and can exploit it from anywhere on the internet. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms, employ parameterized queries, and conduct regular security assessments to address this vulnerability. Additionally, applying the latest security patches from AWT YEKTA developers and implementing web application firewalls as defensive measures would significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in web applications handling sensitive academic data.