CVE-2008-5640 in Active Bids
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in bidhistory.asp in Active Bids 3.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the ItemID parameter.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5640 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Active Bids 3.5 web application, specifically affecting the bidhistory.asp component. This weakness resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input through the ItemID parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The vulnerability falls under the category of cwe-89 sql injection as defined by the common weakness enumeration framework, where malicious actors can manipulate database queries by injecting arbitrary sql commands through improperly validated input fields. The affected Active Bids 3.5 platform operates as an online auction system where users can view bidding histories for various items, making the bidhistory.asp page a critical component for retrieving and displaying auction data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers submit malicious input through the ItemID parameter in the bidhistory.asp script. The application fails to properly escape or validate the input before incorporating it into sql queries executed against the backend database. This allows attackers to inject malicious sql code that can manipulate the database operations, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and directly interact with the database layer, potentially gaining access to sensitive user information, auction records, and other confidential data stored within the system. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform union-based sql injection attacks, error-based injection techniques, or time-based blind sql injection methods to extract database schema information and user credentials.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-5640 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with a pathway for persistent system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Successful exploitation can result in complete database compromise, allowing attackers to modify auction listings, manipulate bid values, or even delete critical auction data. The vulnerability also poses significant risks to user privacy and system integrity, as it could enable attackers to access personal information of users participating in auctions, including contact details, bidding histories, and potentially payment information. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the mitre att&ck framework under the execution and privilege escalation domains, particularly targeting the sql injection tactic and command and control phases. The vulnerability affects organizations running Active Bids 3.5 systems, potentially compromising online auction platforms and the trust associated with digital commerce transactions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5640 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided security patches or upgrade to newer versions of Active Bids that address this vulnerability. The implementation of web application firewalls and input sanitization mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection against similar sql injection attacks. Database access controls should be reviewed and restricted to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database query patterns that may indicate sql injection activity. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in web applications. Organizations should implement proper error handling mechanisms that do not expose database information to end users, as this information can aid attackers in developing more sophisticated exploitation techniques. Compliance with industry standards such as owasp top ten and nist cybersecurity framework should be maintained to ensure comprehensive protection against sql injection vulnerabilities and other web application security threats.