CVE-2008-3784 in xBtiTracker
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in scrape.php in BtiTracker 1.4.7 and earlier and xBtiTracker 2.0.542 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the info_hash parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3784 represents a critical sql injection flaw affecting BtiTracker versions 1.4.7 and earlier, as well as xBtiTracker versions 2.0.542 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the scrape.php script which is commonly used in torrent tracking systems to provide metadata about torrent files. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input passed through the info_hash parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands into the backend database system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection attacks, where improper input validation allows attackers to manipulate database queries through maliciously crafted input.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers submit specially crafted info_hash values that contain sql injection payloads. These payloads are designed to manipulate the sql query execution flow within the scrape.php script, potentially allowing attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive database information, modify or delete records, or even gain shell access to the underlying database server. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates over remote network connections without requiring any authentication credentials, making it accessible to anyone who can interact with the affected tracker system. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the exploitation of remote services through injection attacks, specifically targeting sql injection vulnerabilities in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it can lead to complete system takeover of the affected tracker infrastructure. Attackers could potentially access user account information, torrent metadata, peer lists, and other sensitive operational data stored within the tracker database. The implications are particularly severe for torrent tracking systems which often handle large volumes of user data and may be used for legitimate content distribution or malicious activities. Organizations relying on these older tracker versions face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential disruption of their torrent distribution services. The vulnerability affects not just individual installations but entire communities that depend on these tracking systems for content sharing operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3784 require immediate action to address the sql injection vulnerability through proper input validation and sanitization. The primary remediation involves implementing parameterized queries or prepared statements in the scrape.php script to ensure that user input cannot be interpreted as sql commands. Additionally, all affected systems should be updated to newer versions of BtiTracker or xBtiTracker that contain proper input validation mechanisms. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense, though they should not be considered as primary solutions. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the system, with particular attention to the CWE-89 category of sql injection flaws that remain prevalent in legacy web applications. Organizations should also consider implementing proper access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized database access attempts that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.