CVE-2008-3506 in PolyPager
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in PolyPager 1.0 rc2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the nr parameter to the default URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-3506 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting PolyPager version 1.0 rc2 and earlier installations. This issue resides within the web application's input validation mechanisms, specifically targeting the nr parameter in the default URI handling. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-89 which defines SQL injection as the insertion of malicious SQL code into database queries through untrusted input. Attackers exploiting this weakness can manipulate the application's database interactions by injecting arbitrary SQL commands directly through the affected parameter.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL database queries. The nr parameter serves as the entry point for malicious input, allowing attackers to bypass normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. When the application processes this parameter without adequate validation, it directly incorporates user-controllable data into database commands, creating opportunities for data extraction, modification, or deletion. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring any prior authentication or privileged access to the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive information stored within the application's database. Depending on the database permissions assigned to the application's database user account, attackers could execute commands to extract confidential data, modify existing records, or even delete entire database tables. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability from any location with network access to the affected system, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploit public-facing application and T1071.004 for application layer protocol.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query construction. The most effective approach involves implementing proper input sanitization by escaping special characters and using parameterized database queries that separate SQL commands from user data. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and database permissions to limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against injection attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious database query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.