CVE-2008-3487 in PHPAuction GPL Enhanced
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in profile.php in PHPAuction GPL Enhanced 2.51 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3487 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the PHPAuction GPL Enhanced 2.51 web application. This vulnerability exists in the profile.php script where user input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into SQL database queries. The specific weakness occurs when the application processes the id parameter, which is commonly used to retrieve user profiles from a database. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious SQL commands within the id parameter, thereby bypassing normal authentication mechanisms and gaining unauthorized access to the underlying database system. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL command strings without proper validation or escaping.
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 affected database server. This means that malicious actors can perform read operations to extract sensitive user information, modify or delete database records, and potentially escalate their privileges within the system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools. The attack surface is broad as the id parameter is likely used throughout the application for various profile-related operations, providing multiple entry points for exploitation. According to ATT&CK framework category T1190, this vulnerability represents a technique for exploiting a remote service, specifically targeting database systems through application layer vulnerabilities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal sophistication and can be accomplished through standard SQL injection techniques such as union-based attacks or time-based blind injections. Attackers typically begin by identifying the vulnerable parameter through reconnaissance and then craft payloads that manipulate the SQL query structure to extract information from the database. The lack of input validation in profile.php creates a direct pathway for attackers to inject malicious SQL code that can be executed with the privileges of the database user account. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in web applications where database credentials are often configured with elevated privileges, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over the database contents and associated application functionality. Organizations running PHPAuction GPL Enhanced 2.51 should immediately implement input validation measures and consider implementing web application firewalls to mitigate potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper parameter sanitization and input validation in preventing database-related attacks, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and other industry standards for web application security.