CVE-2008-3250 in Arctic Issue Tracker
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in Arctic Issue Tracker 2.0.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the filter parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The CVE-2008-3250 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the Arctic Issue Tracker 2.0.0 web application that fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the system. This vulnerability specifically affects the index.php script where user input is improperly sanitized before being incorporated into sql queries. The filter parameter serves as the primary attack vector, allowing malicious actors to manipulate database operations through crafted input sequences. The vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a persistent and dangerous flaw that enables unauthorized data access and modification. The issue demonstrates how insufficient input validation can create pathways for attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and execute arbitrary commands on the underlying database server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the filter parameter in the index.php script. The application fails to properly escape or parameterize user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql statements, creating an environment where sql commands can be injected and executed with the privileges of the web application's database user. This flaw allows attackers to perform unauthorized operations such as data retrieval, modification, deletion, or even database schema enumeration. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables remote code execution capabilities, potentially allowing attackers to gain full control over the database and access sensitive information. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that the vulnerability affects a core application component that handles user filtering operations, making it accessible to any authenticated or unauthenticated user depending on the application's access controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-3250 extends beyond immediate data compromise to encompass long-term security degradation of the affected system. Organizations running Arctic Issue Tracker 2.0.0 face potential exposure of sensitive issue tracking data, user credentials, and system configurations. The vulnerability can be leveraged for privilege escalation attacks, allowing attackers to move laterally within the network infrastructure. According to the mitre att&ck framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as t1071.004 (application layer protocol: dns) and t1213.002 (data from information repositories) when attackers utilize the compromised system for further reconnaissance and data exfiltration. The risk assessment indicates that this vulnerability could be exploited by automated scanning tools, making it particularly dangerous for systems with exposed web interfaces. The attack vector is classified as remote and requires no special privileges, enabling widespread exploitation across various network environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3250 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should upgrade to patched versions of Arctic Issue Tracker or apply the appropriate security patches that address the vulnerable input handling in index.php. The implementation of web application firewalls and input sanitization mechanisms can provide additional defense layers. Security practices should include regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar flaws in other applications. According to owasp top ten 2021, this vulnerability aligns with the category of injection flaws that require comprehensive prevention strategies including proper database access controls, least privilege principles, and regular security training for developers. The remediation process should also include monitoring database logs for suspicious activity and implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations must conduct thorough security audits to ensure that similar vulnerabilities do not exist in other components of their issue tracking and project management systems.