CVE-2008-3490 in Online Dating
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in members/mail.php in E-topbiz Online Dating 3 1.0 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the mail_id parameter in a veiw action.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The CVE-2008-3490 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the E-topbiz Online Dating 3 1.0 web application, specifically targeting the members/mail.php script. This vulnerability exists in the context of a dating platform that handles user communications and personal data, making it particularly dangerous as it could expose sensitive user information. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into SQL queries, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the mail_id parameter within the veiw action of the members/mail.php endpoint. When authenticated users access the mail viewing functionality, the application processes the mail_id parameter without adequate input validation or sanitization measures. This allows an attacker who has already gained authentication credentials to inject malicious SQL code directly into the parameter, bypassing normal application security controls and potentially executing arbitrary database commands. The vulnerability is classified as a classic SQL injection attack pattern where user-controllable input directly influences database query construction.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables full database manipulation capabilities for authenticated users who exploit the flaw. Attackers could potentially extract all user records including personal information, login credentials, and communication data, leading to identity theft, privacy violations, and potential account takeovers. The remote execution capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the system, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for online services handling sensitive user data. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a fundamental breakdown in input validation and output encoding practices.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper parameterized queries and input sanitization measures throughout the application codebase. Organizations should implement strict input validation protocols that reject or escape special characters commonly used in SQL injection attacks, including single quotes, semicolons, and comment markers. The application should employ prepared statements or parameterized queries to ensure that user input is never directly concatenated into SQL commands. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege management can limit the damage even if exploitation occurs, ensuring that database accounts used by the web application have minimal required permissions. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework for database-related adversary tactics.