CVE-2008-3297 in Social Engine
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in SocialEngine (SE) before 2.83 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) an se_user cookie to include/class_user.php or (2) an se_admin cookie to include/class_admin.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3297 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within SocialEngine versions prior to 2.83, exposing the platform to remote code execution risks. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's authentication and administrative components. The flaw specifically affects two primary entry points: the se_user cookie parameter in include/class_user.php and the se_admin cookie parameter in include/class_admin.php, both of which process user input without proper security measures to prevent malicious SQL command injection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious SQL payloads through carefully crafted cookie values. When the application processes these cookies in the specified PHP files, it directly incorporates user-supplied data into SQL statements without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms. This design flaw falls under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically targeting the database interaction components that handle user authentication and administrative functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the underlying database server. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive user information, modify database contents, escalate privileges, or even gain full administrative control over the SocialEngine platform. The remote nature of this attack vector means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications hosting sensitive user data. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to compromise user accounts, manipulate social networking data, or establish persistent access points within the target environment.
Organizations using affected SocialEngine versions should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies including updating to the patched version 2.83 or later, which addresses the input validation deficiencies in both class_user.php and class_admin.php. Additional protective measures should include implementing proper parameterized queries, input sanitization, and cookie validation mechanisms throughout the application. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense, while regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the potential consequences of failing to implement secure coding practices in web applications.