CVE-2008-3310 in Pre Survey Poll
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in default.asp in Pre Survey Poll allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the catid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3310 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Pre Survey Poll application's default.asp component. This security weakness specifically targets the catid parameter, which serves as an entry point for malicious actors to manipulate database queries and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability exists due to inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the web application's processing logic, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL commands through the parameter.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows the standard SQL injection attack pattern where the catid parameter is manipulated to alter the intended database query execution flow. When the application processes user input without proper sanitization, attackers can append malicious SQL syntax to the parameter value, effectively bypassing authentication mechanisms and gaining access to database contents. This flaw aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in application security. The vulnerability's impact is significant as it enables remote code execution capabilities and data manipulation, potentially allowing attackers to extract confidential information, modify database records, or even escalate privileges within the affected system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to organizations utilizing Pre Survey Poll for data collection and survey management. The remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to launch attacks. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that survey applications often handle sensitive user data, personal information, and potentially confidential organizational data. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability can be leveraged in conjunction with other attack vectors, as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of SQL injection. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as attackers can potentially establish persistent access through database manipulation and privilege escalation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3310 should focus on implementing robust input validation and parameterized queries to prevent malicious SQL code execution. Organizations must ensure that all user-supplied input is properly sanitized and validated before processing, with particular attention to the catid parameter and similar input fields. The implementation of prepared statements and parameterized queries represents the most effective defense mechanism against SQL injection attacks, as these approaches separate SQL command structure from data values. Additionally, regular security assessments, including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems, should be deployed to monitor for suspicious activity. System administrators should also implement proper access controls, database user privilege management, and regular security updates to maintain defense in depth. The remediation process requires immediate patching of the vulnerable application component, along with comprehensive code review to identify and address similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application.