CVE-2008-5309 in Real Estate Portal
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in NetArt Media Real Estate Portal 1.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the ad_id parameter in the re_send_email module to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5309 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the NetArt Media Real Estate Portal version 1.2 that exposes the application to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically targets the re_send_email module within the index.php file, where the ad_id parameter fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before incorporating it into SQL query constructions. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands directly into the database layer, potentially allowing full access to the underlying database system and its stored information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the ad_id parameter which is processed without adequate input sanitization measures. When a user submits a request containing a specially crafted ad_id value, the application incorporates this unvalidated input directly into SQL query strings without proper escaping or parameterization techniques. This primitive input handling creates a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate the database query execution flow and execute unauthorized commands. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in application input validation and query construction practices. The attack vector operates over standard network protocols, requiring no special privileges or local access, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by remote attackers from any location.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or manipulation to encompass complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive real estate listings, user information, and potentially financial data stored within the portal's database. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to extract confidential information, modify or delete listings, gain administrative access, or even establish persistent backdoors within the application infrastructure. The real estate portal environment typically contains valuable personal information including contact details, property values, and transaction records that make it an attractive target for cybercriminals. This vulnerability also violates fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the injection flaws category that consistently ranks among the most critical web application security risks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5309 must focus on implementing robust input validation and parameterized query construction techniques to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-supplied patches or upgrade to newer versions of the NetArt Media Real Estate Portal that address this vulnerability. The implementation of proper input sanitization measures including the use of prepared statements, stored procedures, and proper escaping mechanisms should be enforced throughout the application codebase. Additionally, the application should be configured with minimal database privileges to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in legacy applications that may not have received adequate security updates over time. This case demonstrates the critical need for maintaining up-to-date security practices and proper input validation mechanisms in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive user data and business-critical information.