CVE-2008-4093 in YourOwnBux
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in memberstats.php in YourOwnBux 3.1 and 3.2 beta, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the user parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4093 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the memberstats.php component of the YourOwnBux 3.1 and 3.2 beta web applications. This vulnerability specifically targets systems where the php magic_quotes_gpc directive is disabled, creating an exploitable condition that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands through manipulation of the user parameter. The flaw resides in the application's failure to properly sanitize or escape user input before incorporating it into sql query constructions, directly violating fundamental security principles for input validation and sql query building.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's reliance on user-supplied data without adequate sanitization measures when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled. In php environments where magic_quotes_gpc is turned off, the application fails to implement proper input filtering or parameterized queries, allowing malicious sql payload injection through the user parameter. This creates a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries by injecting sql syntax elements such as union select statements, boolean conditions, or administrative commands that can be executed with the privileges of the web application's database user account. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to complete database compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive user information, modify database contents, escalate privileges, or even gain access to underlying server resources through database backdoors. The vulnerability affects the authentication and authorization mechanisms of the application, potentially allowing unauthorized access to user accounts and sensitive operational data. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 (exploitation for lateral movement) and T1078 (valid accounts) as attackers can use the compromised application to gain deeper access to network resources. The impact is particularly severe in multi-tenant environments where database access could provide access to multiple user accounts and their associated data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4093 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate fix involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase, particularly in the memberstats.php file and similar components. Organizations should ensure that magic_quotes_gpc is properly configured or implement robust input sanitization routines that escape special sql characters. The recommended approach includes adopting prepared statements or parameterized queries for all database interactions, implementing proper output encoding for sql results, and conducting comprehensive input validation for all user-supplied parameters. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls, database activity monitoring, and regular security auditing to detect and prevent similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping web applications updated and following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP top ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks to prevent such critical flaws from being introduced in the first place.