CVE-2008-4886 in Shopping Cart Script
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in YourFreeWorld Shopping Cart Script allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the c parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4886 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the YourFreeWorld Shopping Cart Script, specifically affecting the index.php file. This weakness enables remote attackers to manipulate database queries through the c parameter, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information and system compromise. The vulnerability resides in the script's failure to properly validate and sanitize user input before incorporating it into sql commands, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary sql code.
This sql injection vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89, which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands as a primary cause of sql injection attacks. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and output encoding practices that are fundamental to preventing sql injection. The c parameter serves as the attack vector where malicious input can be injected into the sql execution context, bypassing normal security controls and authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability affects the application's database layer directly, allowing attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input strings that are not properly escaped or parameterized.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential data destruction. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive customer information, including personal details, credit card data, and administrative credentials stored within the database. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform unauthorized database operations such as data modification, deletion, or unauthorized access to administrative functions. Additionally, the compromise of the shopping cart system could result in financial loss, regulatory compliance violations, and significant reputational damage for organizations using this software. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects the core functionality of an e-commerce platform, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate inventory, process fraudulent transactions, or gain persistent access to the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements within the application architecture. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent user input from being interpreted as sql code. Developers should employ prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate sql commands from data, eliminating the possibility of sql injection through user-supplied parameters. Input sanitization measures including character filtering, length restrictions, and whitelist validation should be implemented to ensure that only expected data formats are accepted. The application should also implement proper error handling that does not reveal database structure information to users. Security best practices dictate that the principle of least privilege should be applied to database accounts used by the application, limiting potential damage from successful exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Regular security testing including automated vulnerability scanning and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in the application code. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping software components updated and following secure coding guidelines established by industry standards such as owasp top ten and the software engineering institute's secure coding practices.