CVE-2008-5287 in FAQ Manager
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in catagorie.php in Werner Hilversum FAQ Manager 1.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cat_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2024
The CVE-2008-5287 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw in Werner Hilversum FAQ Manager version 1.2, specifically affecting the catagorie.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the cat_id parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the database query execution chain, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89, which denotes improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command, making it a classic example of SQL injection exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the cat_id parameter in HTTP requests to the affected application. When the FAQ Manager processes this parameter, it directly incorporates user input into SQL queries without proper parameterization or input filtering. This creates an opportunity for attackers to craft malicious input that alters the intended database query logic, potentially enabling them to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even gain administrative access to the underlying database system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the database level, bypassing application-level security controls and potentially allowing for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform comprehensive database reconnaissance and manipulation. An attacker could exploit this flaw to enumerate database schemas, extract user credentials, modify FAQ content, or even delete entire database tables. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the target system, making it particularly attractive to threat actors. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1071.005 for application layer protocol usage and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers would likely use this vulnerability to establish a foothold for further exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5287 should focus on immediate input validation and parameterized query implementation. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization techniques, including the use of prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent user input from being interpreted as SQL commands. The affected FAQ Manager version should be updated to the latest available patch or upgraded to a more secure alternative, as version 1.2 is an outdated product with known security weaknesses. Additionally, network segmentation and web application firewalls should be deployed to limit access to vulnerable scripts and monitor for suspicious SQL injection attempts. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual database query patterns and unauthorized data access attempts that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.