CVE-2008-5222 in Dvbbs
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in login.asp in Dvbbs 8.2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the username parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5222 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Dvbbs 8.2.0 web application, specifically affecting the login.asp component. This vulnerability resides in the authentication mechanism where user input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into sql queries. The flaw manifests when the username parameter is processed without adequate input validation or parameterization, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database queries through crafted input. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 sql injection, which is a well-documented weakness in application security where untrusted data is directly embedded into sql commands without proper escaping or parameterization. This particular implementation flaw allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive user data or system resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers submit malicious input through the username parameter field during the login process. When the application processes this input without proper sanitization, an attacker can inject sql code that alters the intended query execution flow. For example, by submitting a specially crafted username such as 'admin' OR '1'='1', the sql query structure can be manipulated to return true for any user authentication attempt, effectively bypassing the authentication mechanism entirely. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard web browser interactions without requiring special tools or privileges beyond basic network access. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it targets the core authentication functionality, potentially allowing full system compromise or data exfiltration.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-5222 extends beyond simple authentication bypass, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise and unauthorized data access. Attackers can execute arbitrary sql commands, potentially allowing them to extract sensitive user credentials, personal information, forum data, or other confidential system information. The vulnerability can also enable attackers to modify or delete database records, potentially causing data corruption or loss. In enterprise environments, this could result in significant financial loss, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage. The attack can be automated and executed at scale, making it particularly dangerous for applications with high user volumes or critical data storage requirements. Organizations using vulnerable versions of Dvbbs face potential exposure to advanced persistent threats that can leverage this vulnerability as an initial access point for broader network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5222 must focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. The primary remediation involves updating to the latest version of Dvbbs where this vulnerability has been patched, as the vendor has likely addressed the issue through proper input sanitization and parameterized query implementation. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious sql injection patterns, though this represents a secondary defense measure. Database access controls should be reviewed to ensure that application accounts have minimal required privileges, following the principle of least privilege as recommended by cybersecurity frameworks. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, as sql injection remains one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper coding practices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of known vulnerabilities and T1078 for valid accounts, as exploitation typically leads to unauthorized access to legitimate user accounts.