CVE-2008-4495 in PHP Auto Dealer
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in view_cat.php in PHP Auto Dealer 2.7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the v_cat parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4495 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the PHP Auto Dealer 2.7 web application, specifically affecting the view_cat.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user input through the v_cat parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the application's database query execution flow, potentially compromising the entire backend database system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper escaping or parameterization. This type of vulnerability falls squarely within the ATT&CK framework's T1190 category for exploitation of remote services, specifically targeting web application vulnerabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application accepts the v_cat parameter from user input and directly incorporates it into a SQL query without any form of input validation or parameter binding. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious input strings that manipulate the SQL query structure, potentially allowing them to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even gain administrative access to the database. The impact is particularly severe because PHP Auto Dealer is a web-based application that likely handles sensitive automotive inventory data, customer information, and potentially financial records. The lack of proper input sanitization means that attackers can bypass authentication mechanisms, read confidential information, or perform unauthorized database operations that could lead to complete system compromise.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate the entire automotive inventory management system. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized vehicle listings, price manipulation, customer data breaches, and potential financial fraud. The vulnerability affects the application's integrity and confidentiality, making it a serious concern for automotive dealerships that rely on the system for business operations. Organizations using PHP Auto Dealer 2.7 are particularly at risk since this vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution within the database context, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges and gain deeper system access. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4495 must focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should immediately upgrade to a patched version of PHP Auto Dealer or implement proper input sanitization measures that validate and escape all user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries would effectively neutralize this vulnerability by ensuring that user input is treated as data rather than executable code. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to monitor for suspicious SQL injection patterns. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The remediation process should also include implementing proper access controls and database permissions to limit the potential damage from any successful exploitation attempts, ensuring that database accounts used by the application have minimal required privileges.