CVE-2008-3406 in phpLinkat
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in showcat.php in phpLinkat 0.1 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-2008-3406 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the phpLinkat 0.1 web application, specifically affecting the showcat.php script. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user input through the catid parameter, which is processed without proper sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the database query execution by injecting malicious sql code through the catid parameter, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89, which defines sql injection as the improper handling of sql commands where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into sql queries without adequate sanitization. The attack vector leverages the application's failure to implement proper input validation and output encoding, creating an exploitable condition where malicious sql payloads can be executed with the privileges of the database user account. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the underlying database system, as attackers can extract sensitive information, modify or delete data, and potentially gain unauthorized access to the database server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with a pathway for persistent access and lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Successful exploitation can result in complete database compromise, leading to unauthorized data access, modification of critical information, and potential system-wide compromise. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3406 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls and input sanitization mechanisms to filter malicious payloads before they reach the database layer. Additionally, the phpLinkat 0.1 application should be updated to a patched version that implements proper sql query parameterization and input validation. Security measures should include regular code reviews, database access logging, and monitoring for unusual database activity patterns. The implementation of the principle of least privilege for database accounts and regular security assessments aligns with established security frameworks and helps reduce the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to identify similar sql injection vulnerabilities across their entire application portfolio.