CVE-2008-4884 in Classifieds Hosting Script
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in tr.php in YourFreeWorld Classifieds Hosting Script allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The CVE-2008-4884 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the YourFreeWorld Classifieds Hosting Script, specifically affecting the tr.php component. This vulnerability exposes the application to remote code execution attacks through improper input validation mechanisms. The flaw manifests when the application fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied data passed through the id parameter, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors. The vulnerability resides in the database interaction layer where user input directly influences sql query construction without appropriate filtering or parameterization. Attackers can leverage this weakness to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious sql payloads through the vulnerable id parameter, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data or executing arbitrary commands on the underlying database server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common sql injection patterns documented in the mitre cwe database under cwe-89, which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands as a fundamental weakness. The attack vector operates through the standard http request mechanism where the id parameter is processed without adequate sanitization, allowing attackers to inject sql syntax that alters the intended query execution flow. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and output encoding practices that are essential for preventing sql injection attacks according to the owasp top ten security risks. When an attacker submits malicious input through the id parameter, the application's sql query construction logic interprets the injected commands as part of the legitimate sql syntax rather than user-supplied data, leading to unauthorized database access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges within the database environment and potentially compromise the entire hosting infrastructure. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise, data exfiltration, and unauthorized modification of classified listings or user information. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the classifieds hosting service, potentially leading to service disruption and regulatory compliance violations. Organizations using this script face significant risk of data breaches and reputational damage, as the vulnerability allows for persistent access to sensitive user information and business data. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects a classifieds hosting script, which typically contains valuable information about users and their listings.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4884 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query construction techniques. Organizations should implement prepared statements or parameterized queries to ensure that user input is properly escaped and treated as data rather than executable code. The recommended defense-in-depth approach includes input sanitization at multiple layers, including application-level validation, web application firewalls, and database-level access controls. Security patches should be applied immediately to update the affected script version, as the vulnerability has been widely documented and exploited in the cybersecurity community. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect suspicious sql injection attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that similar vulnerabilities do not exist in related applications. According to the mitre att&ck framework, this vulnerability maps to the t1190 technique for sql injection, which emphasizes the importance of proper input validation and the need for defensive measures that prevent command injection attacks at the application layer.