CVE-2008-3491 in iPost
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in go.php in Scripts24 iPost 1.0.1 and iTGP 1.0.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter in a report action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3491 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Scripts24 iPost 1.0.1 and iTGP 1.0.4 web applications. This vulnerability exists in the go.php script and specifically targets the id parameter used during report actions. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious sql commands directly into the application's database layer, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure. The vulnerability is classified under cwe-89 which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses where untrusted data is incorporated into sql commands without proper sanitization or parameterization. This particular implementation demonstrates a classic insecure direct object reference pattern where user-supplied input is directly concatenated into sql queries without adequate validation or escaping mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the id parameter in report actions to inject malicious sql payloads. The application fails to properly sanitize or validate user input before incorporating it into database queries, creating a pathway for arbitrary sql command execution. This allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the affected systems. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers can potentially gain complete control over the database server through this vulnerability. According to the mitre attack framework, this vulnerability maps to technique t1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and t1046 for network service discovery, as attackers can use this vector to map database structures and identify potential further attack vectors within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no special privileges to exploit and can be triggered through standard web browser interactions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe for organizations using these specific versions of Scripts24 applications. Database compromise can result in data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and significant financial losses. The vulnerability affects both iPost and iTGP versions, indicating a widespread issue within the Scripts24 product line that could impact numerous organizations simultaneously. Organizations may face legal consequences and reputational damage if sensitive information is exposed through this vulnerability. The attack surface is broad as any user with access to the report functionality can potentially exploit this weakness. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with the nist cybersecurity framework's protect function, particularly control cp-7 which addresses system and information integrity. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of input validation and output encoding practices that are fundamental to preventing injection attacks according to the owasp top ten project classification of injection vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must be implemented immediately as the fix requires patching or updating the affected Scripts24 applications to versions that properly sanitize user input. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. The recommended solution involves ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped or parameterized before being used in database queries. Security teams should also implement web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping software updated and following secure coding practices. Additionally, organizations should implement database access controls and monitoring to detect unauthorized database activities. According to the cwe guidelines, this vulnerability should be addressed through proper input validation and the use of prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the fix does not introduce new functionality issues while effectively closing the security gap.