CVE-2008-5573 in Poll Pro
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the login feature in Poll Pro 2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) Password and (2) username parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2024
The CVE-2008-5573 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the Poll Pro 2.0 application's authentication mechanism. This vulnerability specifically targets the login feature where user credentials are processed, creating an avenue for remote attackers to bypass authentication and execute malicious sql commands on the underlying database server. The vulnerability affects both username and password parameters, indicating a lack of proper input validation and sanitization in the application's credential handling process. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a fundamental security flaw in web applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious sql payloads through the login form's username or password fields. The application fails to properly escape or sanitize these inputs before incorporating them into sql queries, allowing attackers to manipulate the intended query structure. When the application processes these crafted inputs, it executes unintended sql commands that can range from simple data retrieval to complete database compromise. The remote nature of this vulnerability means attackers do not require local system access or physical proximity to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the application is exposed to external traffic.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-5573 extends beyond simple authentication bypass, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise and potential system infiltration. Attackers can extract sensitive user information, modify or delete database records, and potentially escalate privileges within the application's environment. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the mitre attack framework, particularly in the credential access and privilege escalation phases of an attack lifecycle. Organizations running Poll Pro 2.0 are at risk of data breaches, unauthorized access to user accounts, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple parameter inputs suggests a systemic code flaw rather than isolated incident, indicating the need for comprehensive code review and security remediation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5573 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of Poll Pro 2.0 or implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql payloads. The implementation of prepared statements and stored procedures can effectively neutralize sql injection vulnerabilities by separating sql code from data inputs. Additionally, security measures should include regular vulnerability scanning, code reviews focusing on input handling, and enforcement of least privilege principles for database access. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication and monitoring for unusual login patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of addressing sql injection vulnerabilities at the application development stage rather than relying on post-implementation security measures.