CVE-2008-3489 in PHPX
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in checkCookie function in includes/functions.inc.php in PHPX 3.5.16 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via a PXL cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3489 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the PHPX content management system version 3.5.16. This vulnerability specifically targets the checkCookie function located in the includes/functions.inc.php file, creating an exploitable path that allows remote attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted cookie parameters. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data within the cookie handling mechanism, specifically the PXL cookie parameter that is processed by the checkCookie function.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper parameter handling where the PXL cookie value is directly incorporated into sql queries without adequate sanitization or parameterization. When an attacker crafts a malicious PXL cookie value containing sql payload characters, the checkCookie function processes this input without proper escaping or validation, allowing the malicious sql commands to be executed within the database context. This flaw falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into sql commands without proper protection mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides remote attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary sql commands on the affected system's database. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information, modify database contents, delete records, or potentially escalate privileges within the database environment. The remote nature of the attack means that an attacker does not require local system access or authentication credentials to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. This vulnerability directly aligns with attack techniques documented in the attack pattern taxonomy under techniques that involve data manipulation and information disclosure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the affected application code. The checkCookie function must be updated to sanitize all cookie input values using proper escaping mechanisms or parameterized sql statements that separate sql code from data. Organizations should implement proper cookie validation routines that reject suspicious cookie values and employ web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts. The remediation process should also include comprehensive code review to identify similar patterns in other functions that handle user input, ensuring that all database interactions follow secure coding practices as recommended by industry standards such as the owasp top ten and secure coding guidelines. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and address similar vulnerabilities across the entire application stack.