CVE-2008-4459 in Thyme
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in pick_users.php in the groups module in eXtrovert Thyme 1.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the uname_search parameter. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4459 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the eXtrovert Thyme 1.3 web application, specifically affecting the groups module's pick_users.php script. This vulnerability exposes the application to remote code execution attacks through improper input validation mechanisms that fail to sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The affected parameter uname_search serves as the primary attack vector, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands that can manipulate the underlying database structure and potentially compromise the entire system infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the uname_search parameter, which is then directly concatenated into SQL query strings without proper sanitization or parameterization. This flaw aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a common weakness in web applications where untrusted data is improperly integrated into database commands. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can enable attackers to execute administrative commands, extract sensitive information, modify database content, or even escalate privileges within the application environment. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web-facing applications.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing eXtrovert Thyme 1.3, particularly those handling sensitive user data or requiring robust database security controls. The attack surface is broad since the groups module is likely used for user management and access control functions, making this vulnerability potentially exploitable for privilege escalation and unauthorized data access. The impact severity classification typically falls within the high to critical range according to CVSS scoring methodologies, considering factors such as remote exploitability, ease of exploitation, and potential damage to system integrity. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability is particularly concerning due to its age and the likelihood that organizations may continue using outdated software versions that have not received security patches.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and parameterized queries to address this vulnerability. The recommended approach involves implementing proper input sanitization techniques that filter or escape special characters commonly used in SQL injection attacks, such as single quotes, semicolons, and comment markers. Additionally, organizations should enforce the principle of least privilege for database connections, ensuring that application accounts have minimal necessary permissions to reduce potential damage from successful exploitation. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious SQL injection patterns. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other application modules and ensure that all third-party components are updated to their latest secure versions. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and proper code review processes to prevent such persistent threats that can remain undetected for extended periods. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1190 technique for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, highlighting the need for organizations to maintain robust application security testing procedures including both automated scanning and manual penetration testing to identify and remediate such weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors.