CVE-2008-4175 in Linkbidscript
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Link Bid Script 1.5 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) ucat parameter to upgrade.php and the (2) id parameter to linkadmin/edit.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-4175 represents a critical security flaw in the Link Bid Script 1.5 web application that exposes the system to remote code execution through SQL injection attacks. This vulnerability affects two distinct entry points within the application's codebase, specifically targeting the upgrade.php and linkadmin/edit.php files. The presence of multiple attack vectors increases the overall risk surface and provides attackers with alternative pathways to compromise the system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL query structures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection flaws as weaknesses in software that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through malicious input. In this case, the ucat parameter in upgrade.php and the id parameter in linkadmin/edit.php serve as the primary attack vectors where user input directly influences SQL command construction without proper sanitization. When an attacker submits malicious input through these parameters, the application fails to validate or escape the data, allowing the injected SQL commands to execute within the database context. This flaw operates at the application layer and leverages the trust relationship between the web application and its database backend, potentially enabling attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database contents, or even gain elevated privileges within the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise to encompass potential system-wide destruction and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Attackers exploiting these vulnerabilities could access administrative credentials, user account details, database schemas, and other confidential data stored within the application's database. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the server infrastructure. Additionally, successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to establish persistent access, deploy malicious code, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks against networked systems. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects core administrative functionality, potentially enabling attackers to modify or delete critical system components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching and code review processes to address the root cause of the SQL injection flaws. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized query construction to prevent user input from being interpreted as executable SQL code. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that database accounts used by the web application have minimal required permissions and that access controls are properly configured. Security measures including web application firewalls, input sanitization, and regular security audits should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing database activity monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive code review to identify and address any other potential SQL injection vulnerabilities within the application codebase, following industry best practices and security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.