CVE-2008-4902 in Article Publisher Pro
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in contact_author.php in Article Publisher Pro 1.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the userid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4902 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Article Publisher Pro 1.5 web application, specifically affecting the contact_author.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user input through the userid parameter, which fails to properly validate or sanitize data before incorporating it into sql query constructs. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the application's database interactions by injecting malicious sql code through the targeted parameter, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows the classic sql injection attack pattern where the userid parameter serves as the primary attack vector. When an attacker submits malicious input through this parameter, the application processes the input without adequate sanitization measures, allowing sql commands to be executed within the database context. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 which classifies sql injection as a weakness that occurs when user-supplied data is improperly incorporated into sql queries without proper escaping or parameterization. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers can exploit it from outside the network perimeter, eliminating the need for local system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4902 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain complete control over the affected database. Attackers might extract sensitive user information, modify database records, or even escalate privileges within the application environment. The Article Publisher Pro 1.5 application likely stores user credentials, content metadata, and potentially personal information that could be compromised. This vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations relying on the application for content management, as it could lead to data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries. The application code must be updated to use prepared statements or parameterized sql queries when processing the userid parameter, ensuring that user input cannot alter the intended sql command structure. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization routines and employing web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for database accounts used by the application, limiting the potential damage from successful exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploit public-facing application and T1071.004 for application layer protocol to establish persistence and maintain access within compromised environments. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be implemented to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components and prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.