CVE-2008-3672 in Classified Ads
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in showcategory.php in PozScripts Classified Ads allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cid parameter, a different vector than CVE-2008-3673. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3672 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in the PozScripts Classified Ads software suite, specifically within the showcategory.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of the cid parameter, which serves as a category identifier for displaying classified advertisements. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious SQL code through this parameter, potentially compromising the entire underlying database system. The vulnerability operates through a distinct attack vector compared to CVE-2008-3673, indicating multiple entry points within the same software ecosystem that require separate mitigation strategies. This classification aligns with CWE-89, which defines SQL injection as the insertion of malicious SQL queries into input data fields, and represents a fundamental weakness in input validation and query construction processes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the showcategory.php script fails to properly sanitize or escape user input received through the cid parameter before incorporating it into database queries. Attackers can craft malicious inputs that, when processed by the vulnerable application, alter the intended SQL command structure. This allows for unauthorized database access, data manipulation, disclosure of sensitive information, and potentially full system compromise. The attack vector leverages the application's insufficient input validation mechanisms, enabling attackers to bypass authentication checks and execute arbitrary database operations. The vulnerability demonstrates poor secure coding practices where user-supplied data is directly concatenated into SQL statements without proper sanitization or parameterization, creating an environment where malicious SQL commands can be executed with the privileges of the database user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, encompassing complete system compromise and potential business disruption for organizations using PozScripts Classified Ads. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to classified advertisement data, user credentials, and potentially sensitive personal information stored within the database. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers can exploit it without physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web-based classified advertising platforms. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, reputational damage, and financial losses due to data breaches. The vulnerability also represents a potential stepping stone for attackers to escalate privileges and move laterally within network environments, as database access often provides access to underlying system resources and additional applications. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS and T1046 for Network Service Scanning, which describe how attackers use database access for further reconnaissance and exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3672 must focus on implementing robust input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should immediately apply vendor patches or updates if available, and implement proper input sanitization measures that validate and escape all user-supplied data before processing. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries should be mandatory for all database interactions, ensuring that user input is treated as data rather than executable code. Additionally, database access should be restricted to minimal required privileges, and proper logging and monitoring should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit the attack surface, while regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. The remediation approach should follow industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines, ensuring comprehensive protection against SQL injection and related database vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, providing an additional layer of defense against this persistent threat vector.