CVE-2008-5737 in MySQL Calendar
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in Nodstrum MySQL Calendar 1.1 and 1.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the username parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5737 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Nodstrum MySQL Calendar web application version 1.1 and 1.2. This security weakness resides in the index.php file and specifically affects the username parameter handling mechanism. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-89 which defines SQL injection as the insertion of malicious SQL code into input fields for execution by the database engine. Attackers can exploit this flaw to manipulate the underlying database through remote code execution capabilities, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the calendar application's database infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's authentication mechanism. When users attempt to log in through the index.php interface, the username parameter is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization techniques. This allows malicious actors to inject specially crafted SQL payloads that bypass authentication controls and directly manipulate database operations. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where user-supplied data flows into database queries, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary commands against the MySQL database backend. According to the ATT&CK framework, this represents a technique categorized under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries target web applications to gain unauthorized access and execute malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables comprehensive database manipulation capabilities including data extraction, modification, and deletion operations. An attacker could potentially escalate privileges, create new user accounts, or even gain shell access to the underlying server if the database user has elevated permissions. The vulnerability affects organizations using outdated versions of Nodstrum MySQL Calendar, particularly those that have not implemented proper security patches or updates. This flaw particularly impacts web applications that rely on user authentication and database interaction, making it a significant concern for businesses managing calendar and scheduling systems that store sensitive personal or organizational information. The attack vector requires no special privileges beyond network access to the vulnerable web application, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application is publicly accessible.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5737 should prioritize immediate application patching and updates to the latest stable versions of Nodstrum MySQL Calendar. Organizations must implement proper input validation and sanitization techniques including parameterized queries, prepared statements, and proper escaping of user inputs before database processing. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against SQL injection attempts. Security measures should also include regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in the application stack. Database access controls should be strictly enforced with least privilege principles ensuring that database users have minimal required permissions. Additionally, input filtering mechanisms should be deployed to prevent malicious payloads from reaching the database layer, while monitoring systems should be implemented to detect anomalous database access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing proper secure coding practices to prevent such fundamental security flaws from persisting in production environments.