CVE-2008-4352 in phpSmartCom
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in inc/pages/viewprofile.php in phpSmartCom 0.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the uid parameter in a viewprofile action to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4352 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the phpSmartCom 0.2 content management system that exposes remote attackers to potential command execution capabilities. This vulnerability specifically targets the inc/pages/viewprofile.php script which processes user profile viewing requests through the index.php controller. The flaw occurs when the uid parameter from the viewprofile action is not properly sanitized or validated before being incorporated into sql query constructions. The attack vector enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands directly into the database layer by manipulating the uid parameter value, thereby bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms that would typically protect database operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into sql commands without proper sanitization. The flaw operates at the application level where user input directly influences database query execution paths, making it particularly dangerous as it can enable attackers to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even gain administrative control over the affected system. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and improper parameter handling within the phpSmartCom framework, specifically in how it processes the uid parameter for user profile retrieval operations.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing phpSmartCom 0.2 as it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication credentials. Attackers can exploit this weakness to perform unauthorized data manipulation, including but not limited to user account compromise, data exfiltration, and potential system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as the vulnerability can be leveraged to establish persistent access points within the target environment, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking long-term system control. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or local network presence.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4352 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected phpSmartCom 0.2 installation to address the sql injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into sql statements. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious sql injection patterns. Security practitioners should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other potential sql injection vulnerabilities within the application codebase and ensure that all user inputs are properly sanitized before database processing. The remediation approach should follow established security frameworks such as those recommended by the open web application security project and align with defensive measures outlined in the attack technique catalog for sql injection attacks.