CVE-2008-4080 in Stash
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Stash 1.0.3, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) username parameter to admin/library/authenticate.php and the (2) download parameter to downloadmp3.php. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-4080 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting Stash 1.0.3 content management system. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within two specific script endpoints, creating pathways for remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database through maliciously crafted SQL commands. The flaw becomes particularly dangerous when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, which removes the automatic escaping of special characters that would normally prevent such attacks from succeeding. The vulnerability impacts two distinct attack vectors: the first occurs through the username parameter in the admin/library/authenticate.php script, while the second targets the download parameter in downloadmp3.php, demonstrating the breadth of potential exploitation points within the application's codebase.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. This classification indicates that the flaw exists due to insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input data before incorporating it into SQL query structures. Attackers can exploit this by injecting malicious SQL syntax through the vulnerable parameters, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data, modifying database contents, or even executing administrative commands on the underlying database system. The attack vectors demonstrate how the vulnerability can be leveraged through different application interfaces, suggesting that the input validation mechanisms are not consistently applied across the software's functionality. The fact that the vulnerability requires magic_quotes_gpc to be disabled highlights the importance of proper application-level input sanitization rather than relying on server configuration settings that may vary across different deployment environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive user information stored within the Stash application's database. Remote attackers could potentially extract user credentials, personal information, and other confidential data that would normally be protected by proper database access controls. The dual nature of the vulnerability, affecting both authentication and media download functionality, suggests that an attacker could potentially escalate privileges and gain broader access to the application's administrative capabilities. This type of vulnerability also poses significant risk to the application's integrity and availability, as attackers could modify or delete critical database records, potentially disrupting normal application operations and leading to service degradation or complete system failure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the application's codebase. The most effective approach involves using parameterized queries or prepared statements to ensure that user input cannot be interpreted as executable SQL commands. Additionally, developers should implement proper input filtering and validation routines that specifically target the identified vulnerable parameters, including username and download parameters. The application should also be configured to disable magic_quotes_gpc functionality and instead rely on application-level security controls, as relying on server configuration settings creates potential security gaps when environments differ. Organizations should conduct comprehensive code reviews to identify similar input validation issues across the entire application, as this vulnerability likely represents a broader pattern of security weaknesses that require systematic remediation. The remediation process should also include implementing proper error handling mechanisms that do not reveal sensitive database information to unauthorized users, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's approach to preventing information disclosure vulnerabilities. Regular security testing and penetration testing should be implemented to verify that all input validation controls are functioning correctly and that no similar vulnerabilities exist in other parts of the application's codebase.