CVE-2008-4332 in PHP infoBoard
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the showjavatopic function in func.php in PHP infoBoard V.7 Plus allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the idcat parameter to showtopic.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2024
The CVE-2008-4332 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in PHP infoBoard V.7 Plus, specifically within the showjavatopic function located in func.php. This vulnerability exists in the web application's handling of user input through the idcat parameter in the showtopic.php script, creating a dangerous pathway for remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql query constructions. This particular flaw falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89, which categorizes sql injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental weakness in software security design.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious sql commands through the idcat parameter, effectively bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. When a user submits a request containing crafted sql payload in the idcat parameter, the vulnerable function processes this input without proper sanitization, leading to the execution of unauthorized database operations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform various malicious activities including but not limited to data extraction, modification, or deletion from the underlying database, potentially gaining administrative access to the application or even the entire server. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by its remote nature, meaning attackers do not require physical access to the system to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in web-facing applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4332 extends beyond immediate data compromise, as it can facilitate further attacks within the network infrastructure. Successful exploitation enables attackers to escalate privileges, extract sensitive user credentials, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the affected system. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the application's data, creating cascading security issues that can compromise the entire information system. Organizations running PHP infoBoard V.7 Plus are particularly at risk since this vulnerability has been present in widely deployed versions of the software, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools commonly found in cybercriminal toolkits. The vulnerability's classification under the attack technique T1071.004 in the ATT&CK framework demonstrates how sql injection attacks can be used to achieve initial access and lateral movement within compromised environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected PHP infoBoard application to the latest version that addresses the input validation flaws. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization techniques including parameterized queries, prepared statements, and comprehensive input validation routines to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to monitor for exploitation attempts, while regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify additional sql injection vulnerabilities within the application. The implementation of web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection against sql injection attacks, ensuring that malicious payloads are detected and blocked before they can reach the vulnerable application components.