CVE-2008-4517 in geccBBlite
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in leggi.php in geccBBlite 2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2024
The CVE-2008-4517 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the geccBBlite 2.0 web application, specifically within the leggi.php component. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and improper parameter handling when processing user-supplied data through the id parameter. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries by injecting malicious sql code, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities, making it a well-documented and severe security weakness in web application development practices. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it allows remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for malicious actors seeking unauthorized database access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to sanitize or escape user input before incorporating it into sql queries. When the id parameter is passed to leggi.php, the application directly concatenates this input into database commands without proper validation or parameterization. This primitive approach to database interaction creates an opening for attackers to inject malicious sql payloads that can alter, extract, or delete database information. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and violates fundamental security principles such as the principle of least privilege and secure coding standards. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform unauthorized data access, data manipulation, or even escalate privileges within the database environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4517 extends beyond simple data theft, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data destruction. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and business-critical information stored in the database. The potential for data corruption and system disruption makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations relying on geccBBlite 2.0 for their information management. Depending on the database permissions, attackers might also be able to execute administrative commands, create new user accounts, or modify existing database structures. This vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the mitre attack framework under techniques related to credential access and data extraction, making it a significant concern for cybersecurity professionals managing legacy web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4517 require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization techniques, including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries that separate sql code from data. The recommended approach involves updating the geccBBlite 2.0 application to properly escape or validate all user inputs before database processing, following secure coding guidelines established by organizations such as owasp and nist. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to monitor and block suspicious sql injection attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the application stack, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar attack vectors. The remediation process should also include proper access controls and database privilege management to limit the potential impact of successful attacks, aligning with defense-in-depth strategies recommended by cybersecurity frameworks.