CVE-2008-3711 in PHPArcadeScript
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in PHPArcadeScript (PHP Arcade Script) 4.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cat parameter in a browse action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3711 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within PHPArcadeScript version 4.0, specifically affecting the index.php file during browse operations. This vulnerability exposes the application to remote code execution attacks through improper input validation mechanisms that fail to sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The attack vector specifically targets the cat parameter within the browse action, which serves as an entry point for malicious actors to manipulate database interactions and potentially gain unauthorized access to underlying system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or validate the cat parameter value before executing SQL commands against the database backend. When a user submits a request containing a crafted cat parameter, the application directly incorporates this input into SQL query construction without adequate sanitization measures. This design flaw aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as weaknesses that occur when an application uses untrusted input to construct SQL queries, thereby enabling attackers to manipulate database operations. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of application logic flaws and database interaction vulnerabilities, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands with the privileges of the database user account.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing PHPArcadeScript 4.0, as it enables remote attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion. Attackers can exploit this weakness to bypass authentication mechanisms, access sensitive user information, manipulate game data, or potentially escalate privileges within the application environment. The impact extends beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise through database-level attacks, particularly if the database user account possesses elevated privileges. This vulnerability represents a serious concern for gaming platforms and content management systems that rely on PHPArcadeScript for their operations, as it directly undermines the integrity and confidentiality of user data and application functionality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3711 should prioritize immediate implementation of parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent the injection of malicious SQL code through user inputs. Organizations must implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that filter or escape special characters before processing user-supplied data within database operations. The recommended approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which focuses on application layer protocol manipulation, and emphasizes the importance of input validation as a primary defense mechanism. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, regular security updates, and database activity monitoring can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious SQL injection patterns and provide additional layers of protection against this class of vulnerability.