CVE-2008-3204 in Million Pixels
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in tops_top.php in E-topbiz Million Pixels 3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id_cat parameter.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3204 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the E-topbiz Million Pixels 3 content management system specifically affecting the tops_top.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user input through the id_cat parameter, which is processed without proper sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the database query structure by injecting malicious sql code through this parameter, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data or executing arbitrary commands on the underlying database server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation practices within the tops_top.php script where the id_cat parameter is directly incorporated into sql query construction without appropriate escaping or parameterization techniques. This creates an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled input can alter the intended sql execution flow. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a fundamental weakness in software applications where user-supplied data is improperly integrated into sql commands. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion of sensitive information stored within the application's database.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it provides attackers with potential access to the entire database backend through the application's interface. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw to extract confidential information such as user credentials, personal data, or business-sensitive records that may be stored in the database. The vulnerability also enables attackers to manipulate database contents, potentially leading to data corruption or system compromise. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers target web applications to gain unauthorized access to backend systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it allows for persistent access without requiring authentication, making it a high-priority target for malicious actors seeking to compromise web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3204 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. The recommended approach involves using prepared statements with parameter binding instead of direct string concatenation in sql queries. Organizations should also implement proper output encoding and input sanitization mechanisms to ensure that all user-supplied data is properly validated before being processed by the application. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application codebase. The implementation of web application firewalls and database activity monitoring can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. System administrators should also ensure that the E-topbiz Million Pixels 3 application is kept up to date with the latest security patches and that access controls are properly configured to limit database access privileges. According to industry best practices, this vulnerability should be addressed immediately through code-level fixes rather than relying on network-level mitigations alone, as sql injection vulnerabilities can be exploited regardless of network security measures.