CVE-2008-5865 in Hotel Booking Reservation System
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the com_hbssearch component 1.0 in the Hotel Booking Reservation System (aka HBS) 1.0.0 for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the r_type parameter in a showhoteldetails action to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2024
The CVE-2008-5865 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the com_hbssearch component of the Hotel Booking Reservation System version 1.0.0 for Joomla! platforms. This vulnerability specifically affects the r_type parameter within the showhoteldetails action of the index.php script, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute unauthorized sql commands against the underlying database system. The vulnerability resides in the component's improper handling of user input, where the r_type parameter is directly incorporated into sql query construction without adequate sanitization or parameterization measures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the r_type parameter in the showhoteldetails action, which allows attackers to inject malicious sql payloads that bypass normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. This flaw enables attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data retrieval, modification, deletion, and potentially full system compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic sql injection attack vector where user-supplied input flows directly into database queries without proper input validation or escape sequence handling, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that rely on dynamic sql construction.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-5865 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and business disruption. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive customer information, manipulate booking records, modify pricing structures, and potentially gain administrative access to the entire hotel reservation system. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the hotel booking platform, potentially leading to financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory compliance violations. Organizations using this vulnerable component face significant risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to critical business information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5865 should focus on immediate patching of the vulnerable component to the latest secure version provided by the vendor. Organizations must implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks, ensuring all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before database interaction. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and represents a common attack pattern categorized under ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications. Security measures should include web application firewalls, regular security assessments, and comprehensive input validation across all user-facing parameters. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities within their broader joomla ecosystem and implement proper access controls to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.