CVE-2008-5779 in FLDS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in lpro.php in Free Links Directory Script (FLDS) 1.2a allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The CVE-2008-5779 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Free Links Directory Script version 1.2a, specifically affecting the lpro.php component. This vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the web application's parameter handling mechanism. The flaw manifests when the application processes the 'id' parameter without proper escaping or validation, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the backend database query execution flow. Such vulnerabilities typically stem from poor secure coding practices where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into SQL statements without appropriate sanitization measures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic SQL injection attack pattern where remote attackers can manipulate the 'id' parameter to alter the intended database query structure. When an attacker submits malicious input through this parameter, the application fails to properly escape special SQL characters and keywords, allowing the injected commands to execute within the database context. This can result in unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, as well as potential privilege escalation within the database system. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications, and represents a fundamental breakdown in input validation and output encoding controls.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on the Free Links Directory Script for their web presence. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information from the database including user credentials, personal data, and system configuration details. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system. Successful exploitation may lead to complete database compromise, unauthorized access to administrative functions, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The impact extends beyond immediate data theft to include reputational damage, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences due to data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5779 should prioritize immediate patching of the Free Links Directory Script to version 1.2b or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries to prevent direct SQL command injection. Additionally, web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious parameter patterns. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The remediation process should also include implementing proper access controls and database privilege management to limit the potential impact of successful attacks, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1046 for network service scanning.