CVE-2008-4496 in PHP Realtor
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in view_cat.php in PHP Realtor 1.5 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-2008-4496 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the PHP Realtor 1.5 web application, specifically affecting the view_cat.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the v_cat parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands directly into the application's database query execution flow, potentially enabling complete database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive realtor information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation practices within the PHP Realtor application codebase. When the v_cat parameter is passed to view_cat.php, the application fails to properly escape or parameterize the input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This classic SQL injection vector enables attackers to manipulate the intended database operations by appending malicious SQL syntax to the parameter value. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the database layer, allowing attackers to execute commands that can read, modify, or delete sensitive data within the application's backend database.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to real estate businesses utilizing the PHP Realtor 1.5 platform. Attackers could exploit this flaw to access confidential property listings, client information, contact details, and potentially financial data stored within the database. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to modify property listings, manipulate pricing information, or even gain administrative control over the application. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this represents a technique categorized under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries target web applications to gain unauthorized access. The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that it affects a widely used real estate listing platform, making it a prime target for cybercriminals seeking to exploit sensitive real estate data. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation, parameterized queries, and regular security assessments to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited in production environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4496 should include immediate patching of the PHP Realtor 1.5 application to address the input validation flaw, implementing proper parameterized queries in the affected view_cat.php script, and establishing robust input sanitization routines for all user-supplied parameters. Additionally, organizations should deploy web application firewalls, conduct regular penetration testing, and implement database access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The remediation process must also include comprehensive security training for developers to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future code implementations, aligning with industry best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.