CVE-2008-5739 in Pligg
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in evb/check_url.php in Pligg CMS 9.9.5 Beta allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the url parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2024
The CVE-2008-5739 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Pligg Content Management System version 9.9.5 Beta, specifically affecting the evb/check_url.php component. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The flaw exists in the url parameter handling logic, where malicious actors can manipulate the input to inject arbitrary SQL commands that execute within the database context. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper parameterized queries or input sanitization that allows attackers to bypass normal authentication and data access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data manipulation, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary database commands remotely without requiring legitimate credentials. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from the database, modify or delete content, escalate privileges, or even gain complete control over the affected system. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location with internet access, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of Pligg CMS by compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the underlying database, potentially exposing user credentials, personal information, and application data to unauthorized access.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a prime example of how insufficient input validation can lead to catastrophic consequences in web applications. The flaw demonstrates the importance of implementing proper defensive programming practices such as parameterized queries, input sanitization, and output encoding to prevent malicious data from being interpreted as executable code. Organizations using Pligg CMS or similar content management systems should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, web application firewalls, and code reviews to address this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the T1190 technique for exploitation of remote services, while also relating to T1078 for valid accounts and T1005 for data from local system. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the affected software, implementation of proper input validation mechanisms, and deployment of network monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the application stack, ensuring comprehensive protection against SQL injection attacks and maintaining the overall security posture of the organization.