CVE-2008-3748 in Active PHP Bookmarks
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in view_group.php in Active PHP Bookmarks (APB) 1.1.02 and 1.2.06 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3748 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Active PHP Bookmarks (APB) web application version 1.1.02 and 1.2.06. This weakness resides in the view_group.php script which processes user input through the id parameter without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious sql code through the targeted parameter, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 which defines improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. The technical implementation flaw occurs when user-supplied input from the id parameter is directly concatenated into sql query strings without proper parameterization or input filtering. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious payloads that bypass normal input validation, allowing them to execute unauthorized database operations including data retrieval, modification, or deletion.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise through privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive user information, bookmarks, and potentially administrative credentials stored within the application's database. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network presence to carry out attacks, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible web environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3748 should prioritize immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries within the view_group.php script. Organizations should apply the vendor-supplied patches or upgrade to versions that address this vulnerability, as the affected APB versions are no longer supported. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls, conducting regular security code reviews, and establishing proper database access controls. The remediation approach should follow OWASP top ten best practices for preventing sql injection attacks through proper input sanitization and prepared statement usage. Security teams should also consider implementing database monitoring solutions to detect anomalous query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.