CVE-2008-4090 in Coupon Script
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in PHP Coupon Script 4.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter in an addtocart action, a different vector than CVE-2007-2672.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4090 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the PHP Coupon Script version 4.0, specifically affecting the index.php file during addtocart operations. This vulnerability enables remote attackers to manipulate database queries through the id parameter, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data manipulation, or complete system compromise. The flaw operates through a distinct attack vector compared to the previously identified CVE-2007-2672, indicating a separate code path that was not addressed in the earlier vulnerability assessment. The vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input within the addtocart action, where the id parameter is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices within the PHP Coupon Script's codebase. When users perform addtocart actions, the application accepts the id parameter and directly embeds it into database queries without employing prepared statements or proper input filtering mechanisms. This design flaw allows attackers to inject malicious SQL syntax through the id parameter, potentially enabling them to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even execute administrative commands on the underlying database system. The vulnerability falls under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it operates over network communication, allowing remote exploitation without requiring local system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise and potential system takeover. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to access customer information, coupon details, and potentially administrative credentials stored within the database. The implications are severe for e-commerce environments where coupon systems handle sensitive transactional data, as the breach could lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target the system from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. Organizations using this software would face potential data breaches, service disruption, and increased security audit costs following exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4090 should focus on immediate code remediation and comprehensive security hardening. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the PHP Coupon Script, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are properly sanitized before database interaction. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, while also implementing input filtering mechanisms at multiple layers of the application architecture. Regular security code reviews and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, database query logging, and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include updating to patched versions of PHP Coupon Script, applying the latest security patches, and conducting thorough vulnerability assessments to ensure no similar weaknesses exist within the application's codebase. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring to detect unauthorized access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.