CVE-2008-4643 in myStats
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in hits.php in myWebland myStats allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the sortby parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4643 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the myWebland myStats web application, specifically affecting the hits.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the sortby parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database query structure by injecting malicious sql code through the targeted parameter, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits specially crafted input through the sortby parameter in the hits.php script. The application fails to properly escape or validate user input before incorporating it into sql queries, creating an environment where malicious sql commands can be executed with the privileges of the web application's database user. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is directly included in sql commands without proper escaping or parameterization.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4643 extends beyond simple data extraction, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to perform complete database compromise including data modification, deletion, or unauthorized access to sensitive information. Attackers could potentially escalate privileges within the database environment, extract confidential user data, modify application behavior, or even gain access to other systems within the same network through database lateral movement techniques. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it highly attractive to malicious actors seeking to exploit web applications.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, including input validation, parameterized queries, and proper output encoding. The application should sanitize all user inputs through whitelist validation or proper escaping mechanisms before incorporating them into sql queries. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege for database accounts used by web applications can limit the damage from successful exploitation. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious sql injection patterns. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, emphasizing the need for comprehensive network monitoring and application security controls. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar injection vulnerabilities in other application components and ensure that all user inputs are properly validated and sanitized before processing.