CVE-2008-5123 in CCleague
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in admin.php in CCleague Pro 1.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the u parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5123 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the CCleague Pro 1.2 web application, specifically affecting the admin.php file. This weakness resides in the improper handling of user input through the 'u' parameter, which creates an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities that occur when application code does not properly sanitize or validate user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL commands. The flaw enables remote code execution through database manipulation, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that rely on user input for administrative functions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker supplies malicious input through the 'u' parameter in the admin.php script, allowing the application to execute unintended SQL commands against the underlying database system. This type of injection attack can potentially lead to complete database compromise, including unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability is classified as a remote attack vector since no local system access is required for exploitation, making it particularly attractive to attackers who can target the application from external networks. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that this affects the administrative interface, which typically has elevated privileges and access to sensitive data within the application's database.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges, create backdoors, or completely compromise the application's integrity. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they gain access to the database layer and can potentially extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and application configuration details. The severity is amplified because the administrative interface often contains critical functions and data that are not available to regular users, making this a high-value target for attackers. This vulnerability can also serve as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure, as database credentials are often reused across systems. The attack can be executed through standard web browser interactions, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5123 must focus on input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection exploitation. The primary defense involves implementing proper input sanitization techniques, including escaping special characters and using prepared statements with parameterized queries. Organizations should also implement the principle of least privilege by restricting database access rights for web applications and regularly auditing database activities. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments, particularly for legacy applications like CCleague Pro 1.2 that may not have received security updates. According to ATT&CK framework category T1190, this vulnerability maps to the exploitation of remote services through injection attacks, emphasizing the need for robust input validation as a fundamental security control. Regular security patching and application updates are essential to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities, while comprehensive logging and monitoring can help detect potential exploitation attempts.