CVE-2008-3351 in atomPhotoBlog
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in atomPhotoBlog.php in Atom PhotoBlog 1.0.9.1 and 1.1.5b1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the photoId parameter in a show action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3351 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Atom PhotoBlog web application version 1.0.9.1 and 1.1.5b1. This vulnerability resides in the atomPhotoBlog.php script and specifically affects the photoId parameter handling during the show action execution. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries by injecting malicious SQL code through the photoId parameter, potentially allowing full database access and arbitrary command execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's database query construction process. When the show action processes the photoId parameter, the application fails to properly escape or sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL statements. This creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious SQL payloads that bypass normal authentication and authorization mechanisms, effectively allowing them to manipulate the database directly. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to affected systems as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands remotely without requiring legitimate credentials. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, delete records, or even escalate privileges within the database environment. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as the vulnerability could potentially allow attackers to gain deeper system access or use the compromised database as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical expertise and can be automated using readily available tools, making it particularly dangerous for unpatched systems. Organizations running affected versions of Atom PhotoBlog face immediate security risks including potential data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of secure coding practices and highlights the importance of input validation, parameterized queries, and proper database access controls. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the affected application versions, implementation of proper input sanitization measures, and deployment of web application firewalls to detect and prevent SQL injection attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and implement robust database security controls including least privilege access and regular security monitoring.