CVE-2008-4497 in Real Estate Listings
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in event_detail.php in Built2Go Real Estate Listings 1.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the event_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4497 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Built2Go Real Estate Listings version 1.5 web application. This security weakness resides in the event_detail.php script which processes user input without proper sanitization or validation mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets the event_id parameter, which serves as the primary interface for retrieving detailed event information from the database. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the event_id value to inject malicious SQL code that gets executed within the database context. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and improper parameter handling, allowing unauthorized users to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to sensitive database information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a serious weakness in software applications that process database queries. The attack vector operates through the web application's HTTP request handling mechanism where the event_id parameter is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without appropriate escaping or parameterization. This design flaw enables attackers to craft malicious payloads that can manipulate the database query execution flow. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to implement proper input sanitization techniques or use of prepared statements, which are fundamental defensive measures against SQL injection attacks. The specific nature of the flaw allows for complete database compromise, potentially enabling attackers to extract, modify, or delete sensitive information including user credentials, property listings, and other confidential data.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents severe consequences for any organization utilizing the Built2Go Real Estate Listings platform. The remote execution capability means attackers can exploit the flaw from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise, leading to data breaches affecting property owners, potential buyers, and other stakeholders. The vulnerability also enables attackers to escalate privileges within the database, potentially gaining administrative access to the entire system. Additionally, the exposure of sensitive real estate data could lead to financial fraud, identity theft, and regulatory compliance violations. Organizations may face significant reputational damage and legal consequences due to the unauthorized access to confidential information. The attack could also disrupt business operations by corrupting or destroying critical property listing data, impacting the platform's functionality and user trust.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4497 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase, specifically modifying the event_detail.php script to use prepared statements or stored procedures. Organizations should also implement proper output encoding and implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. The application should enforce strict input validation on all parameters, particularly those used in database queries, with comprehensive sanitization routines that remove or escape potentially dangerous characters. Regular security code reviews and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities across the entire application stack. Additionally, implementing proper database access controls and privilege management can limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify suspicious database access patterns. The remediation process must align with industry best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles.