CVE-2008-5196 in The Kroax Module
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in kroax.php in the Kroax (the_kroax) 4.42 and earlier module for PHP-Fusion allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the category parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5196 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Kroax module for PHP-Fusion version 4.42 and earlier. This module, known as the_kroax, is designed to provide content management capabilities within the PHP-Fusion CMS framework. The vulnerability specifically affects the kroax.php script which handles category-based content retrieval and display. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database query execution process. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it exists within a core content management component that is widely deployed across numerous websites and web applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the category parameter within the kroax.php script. When a user provides input through this parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape the data before incorporating it into SQL queries. This allows attackers to manipulate the database query structure by injecting malicious SQL syntax such as UNION statements, boolean conditions, or command execution payloads. The vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and more broadly under CWE-20 which covers improper input validation. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the application's database.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with significant control over the affected web application and its underlying database infrastructure. Successful exploitation can result in complete database compromise, allowing attackers to access user credentials, personal information, application configuration details, and other sensitive data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-tenant environments or applications where multiple users share the same database, as it could enable attackers to access data belonging to other users or applications. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, representing a common attack pattern where adversaries target publicly accessible web applications. The impact is amplified in environments where the web application is used for business-critical functions, as it could lead to service disruption, data breaches, and potential regulatory compliance violations under data protection legislation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5196 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and implementation of proper input validation measures. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of the Kroax module or PHP-Fusion framework where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper parameter sanitization and input validation. Organizations should implement prepared statement usage or stored procedures to prevent SQL injection, as these mechanisms provide inherent protection against malicious SQL injection attempts. Additionally, input validation should be enforced at multiple layers including application-level filtering, database-level access controls, and network-level monitoring. Security measures should include regular vulnerability assessments, web application firewalls, and database activity monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also involve comprehensive testing to ensure that all input parameters are properly sanitized and that the application behaves correctly under various malicious input conditions. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for database accounts used by the web application to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.