CVE-2008-4666 in Ultimate Webboard
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in webboard.php in Ultimate Webboard 3.00 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the Category parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2024
The CVE-2008-4666 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the ultimate webboard 3.00 application's webboard.php component. This vulnerability specifically targets the Category parameter which processes user input without proper sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious sql commands directly into the application's database query execution flow, potentially allowing full database access and arbitrary command execution. The vulnerability exists due to inadequate input validation and improper sql query construction practices within the web application's backend processing logic.
This sql injection vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under common weakness enumeration cwecwe-89 as it permits direct sql command injection. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it allows remote exploitation without requiring authentication or privileged access. The Category parameter serves as the primary entry point for malicious input, where attacker-controlled data gets directly concatenated into sql queries without proper parameterization or escaping. This design flaw creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate database operations and potentially escalate privileges within the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise. An attacker could leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations from the underlying database. Additionally, the vulnerability may enable attackers to modify or delete database records, potentially causing data integrity issues and system disruption. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without physical access to the target system, making it particularly attractive to malicious actors. The vulnerability also aligns with attack technique t10713 from the attack tactics and techniques framework, specifically targeting application layer protocols for data manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4666 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized query execution throughout the application codebase. The most effective approach involves replacing direct string concatenation with prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate sql command structure from data content. Additionally, comprehensive input sanitization routines should be implemented to filter or escape special characters that could be used in sql injection attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious sql injection patterns. Regular security code reviews and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, ensuring that the fix addresses not just this specific instance but also prevents related issues throughout the software ecosystem. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to established security standards to prevent such widespread exploitation vectors in web applications.