CVE-2008-5751 in Web Email Script Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in AlstraSoft Web Email Script Enterprise (ESE) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter in a directory action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2024
The CVE-2008-5751 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the AlstraSoft Web Email Script Enterprise email system that fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of email communications. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php script within the enterprise version of the email software, where user input is improperly sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. The attack vector exploits the directory action functionality through the id parameter, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands directly into the backend database infrastructure. This vulnerability exists due to inadequate input validation and parameter handling within the web application's processing logic, creating an exploitable condition that bypasses normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate database queries in ways that were never intended by the application developers, potentially leading to complete database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive email data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows established patterns of sql injection attacks that fall under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands. The vulnerability operates by accepting user-supplied input through the id parameter without proper sanitization or parameterization, allowing attackers to append malicious sql syntax to existing queries. When the application processes the directory action with the manipulated id parameter, the injected sql commands execute within the database context with the privileges of the web application's database user. This creates a persistent threat that can be leveraged to extract email addresses, user credentials, message content, and potentially escalate privileges to gain administrative access to the entire email system. The attack requires minimal technical expertise and can be executed remotely, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise email environments where sensitive corporate communications are stored.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-5751 extends far beyond simple data theft, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of organizations relying on the affected email system. Successful exploitation can result in complete compromise of email databases containing thousands of user accounts, personal communications, and potentially confidential business information. The vulnerability affects enterprise email environments where the software is deployed, creating a significant risk for organizations handling sensitive data such as financial records, medical information, or proprietary business communications. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform data exfiltration, modify email content, create backdoor accounts, or even use the compromised system as a staging point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The long-term consequences include potential regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, reputational damage, and legal ramifications for organizations that fail to address this vulnerability promptly. This type of attack also aligns with attack techniques documented in the attack tree framework where initial access through sql injection can lead to privilege escalation and lateral movement within the organization's network.
Organizations affected by CVE-2008-5751 should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and web application firewalls to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. The most effective remediation involves proper sanitization of all user inputs and implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Security administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software and apply vendor-provided patches or upgrades immediately. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable systems, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security testing including penetration testing and vulnerability scanning should be performed to ensure the effectiveness of implemented controls. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and intrusion detection systems to detect unauthorized access attempts and sql injection activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation as outlined in industry standards such as the owasp top ten and iso 27001 security requirements, emphasizing that sql injection remains one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application vulnerabilities requiring continuous attention and proactive defense measures.