CVE-2008-4072 in phsBlog
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in index.php in phsBlog 0.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) the sid parameter in a pickup action or (2) the sql_cid parameter, different vectors than CVE-2008-3588.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-4072 represents a critical security flaw in phsBlog version 0.2 that exposes the application to multiple SQL injection attack vectors. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php script and affects the blog's ability to properly sanitize user input, creating opportunities for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through carefully crafted parameters. The flaw exists in the application's handling of user-supplied data within the pickup action and sql_cid parameter contexts, making it particularly dangerous as it allows for direct database command execution without proper authentication or authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and parameter sanitization within the phsBlog application's index.php file. When the application processes the sid parameter during a pickup action or the sql_cid parameter, it fails to properly escape or validate the incoming data before incorporating it into SQL query structures. This lack of proper input sanitization creates a classic SQL injection pathway where attackers can inject malicious SQL code that gets executed by the database engine. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly attractive to threat actors. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command, which is a fundamental weakness in database query construction that has been consistently identified as one of the most critical web application security vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4072 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can result in complete database compromise, unauthorized data modification, and potential lateral movement within affected networks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and application configuration details. The vulnerability's dual nature, affecting both the sid parameter in pickup actions and the sql_cid parameter, provides multiple attack vectors that increase the probability of successful exploitation. This weakness can enable attackers to escalate privileges, modify content, or even gain shell access to the underlying server depending on the database configuration and application permissions. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 for Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols and T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, demonstrating how web applications can serve as entry points for broader network compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4072 must focus on implementing proper input validation and parameter sanitization throughout the application code. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-supplied patches or upgrade to newer versions of phsBlog that address these vulnerabilities. The recommended approach includes implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection, establishing proper input validation routines that filter or escape special characters, and implementing proper access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Security measures should also include monitoring for unusual database query patterns and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, as this type of weakness often appears in legacy applications where security considerations were not adequately addressed during initial development phases. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper database query construction practices that align with industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks for preventing injection attacks.