CVE-2008-4627 in rGallery plugin
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the rGallery plugin 1.09 for WoltLab Burning Board (WBB) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the itemID parameter in the RGalleryImageWrapper page in index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2024
The CVE-2008-4627 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the rGallery plugin version 1.09 for WoltLab Burning Board, a widely used php-based bulletin board system. This vulnerability specifically targets the RGalleryImageWrapper page in index.php, where the itemID parameter fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into sql query constructs. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the database by injecting malicious sql commands through the vulnerable parameter, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameter sanitization within the plugin's codebase. When the itemID parameter is processed, the application directly incorporates user-supplied values into sql queries without proper escaping or parameterization techniques. This primitive approach to sql query construction creates an environment where malicious actors can craft specially formatted input that alters the intended sql execution flow. The vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities, and aligns with the attack pattern identified in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of command and control through database manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with elevated privileges within the affected system. Successful exploitation can result in complete database compromise, allowing threat actors to extract sensitive user credentials, personal information, forum content, and potentially escalate their access to underlying server resources. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for online communities and forums that rely on WBB platforms. Organizations using this vulnerable plugin face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential legal consequences due to regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4627 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of the rGallery plugin or implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries within the existing codebase. Security professionals should implement input sanitization routines that properly escape special sql characters and employ prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent malicious code injection. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth layers, while regular security audits and penetration testing help identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the WBB platform. Organizations should also consider implementing database access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized sql query execution patterns.