CVE-2008-5267 in Experts
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in answer.php in Experts 1.0.0, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the question_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2024
The CVE-2008-5267 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Experts 1.0.0 web application, specifically affecting the answer.php script. This vulnerability emerges when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, creating an exploitable condition that enables remote attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input. The vulnerability resides in the improper handling of the question_id parameter, which serves as the primary attack vector for executing malicious SQL commands. The absence of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms in the application's database interaction layer creates a direct pathway for attackers to bypass security controls and gain unauthorized access to backend database systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the question_id parameter within the answer.php script, where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without adequate sanitization or parameterization. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, the application fails to automatically escape special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data, leaving the system vulnerable to injection attacks. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that append additional SQL commands to the original query, potentially allowing them to extract, modify, or delete database records, escalate privileges, or even execute system commands depending on the database backend and underlying permissions. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications where user input is improperly handled in database queries.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-5267 extends beyond simple data theft, encompassing potential complete system compromise and data destruction. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive information stored within the Experts application's database, including user credentials, personal data, and potentially administrative access details. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it allows unauthorized individuals to compromise the system from external networks. Database administrators and security professionals should consider this vulnerability as a high-priority threat, especially in environments where the application processes sensitive user data or where database access permissions are not properly restricted. The attack surface is broad since the vulnerability affects the core functionality of the Experts application, potentially impacting all users who interact with the question and answer system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5267 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application code, specifically targeting the answer.php script and the question_id parameter handling. Organizations should ensure that magic_quotes_gpc is either enabled or that proper input sanitization is implemented as a compensating control. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries using secure database APIs represents the most robust defense mechanism against SQL injection attacks. Additionally, application-level security measures including input filtering, output encoding, and proper error handling should be implemented to prevent information leakage and reduce the attack surface. Security monitoring and logging of database activities should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in database access controls, as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework's database access techniques.