CVE-2008-5877 in Phpclanwebsite
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Phpclanwebsite (aka PCW) 1.23.3 Fix Pack 5 and earlier, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) page parameter to index.php, (2) form_id parameter to pcw/processforms.php, (3) pcwlogin and (4) pcw_pass parameters to pcw/setlogin.php, (5) searchvalue parameter to pcw/downloads.php, and the (6) searchvalue and (7) whichfield parameter to pcw/downloads.php, a different vector than CVE-2006-0444.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5877 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting Phpclanwebsite version 1.23.3 Fix Pack 5 and earlier installations. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, creating an environment where malicious actors can manipulate database queries through carefully crafted input parameters. The affected application suffers from multiple attack vectors that collectively demonstrate a systemic lack of proper input validation and sanitization across various components of the software ecosystem. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, which is classified as a high-risk vulnerability in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog and is frequently targeted by automated scanning tools and manual exploiters due to its widespread presence in web applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through several distinct parameter injection points within the application's codebase. The primary attack vectors include the page parameter in index.php, which allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the application's navigation handling. Additionally, the form_id parameter in pcw/processforms.php provides another entry point where SQL injection can be achieved through malformed form data processing. The pcwlogin and pcw_pass parameters in pcw/setlogin.php create authentication bypass opportunities when attackers can manipulate login credentials through SQL injection techniques. Furthermore, the searchvalue parameter in pcw/downloads.php and the combination of searchvalue with whichfield parameters in the same file provide additional attack surfaces where database queries can be manipulated to extract sensitive information, modify data, or even execute administrative commands. These attack vectors demonstrate a pattern of insufficient input sanitization that allows raw user input to be directly incorporated into database queries without proper escaping or parameterization.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-5877 extends far beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Attackers can leverage these vulnerabilities to extract confidential user data, including login credentials, personal information, and potentially financial records stored within the application's database. The ability to execute arbitrary SQL commands means that attackers can modify existing records, insert malicious data, or even delete entire database tables. In more severe cases, successful exploitation could allow attackers to escalate privileges within the database system, potentially gaining administrative access to the underlying database server itself. This vulnerability also poses significant risks for organizations that rely on Phpclanwebsite for managing sensitive data, as the compromised systems may serve as entry points for broader network infiltration activities, aligning with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the initial access and persistence domains.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5877 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to a patched version of Phpclanwebsite, as the vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases through proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should also implement proper parameterized queries or prepared statements throughout the application codebase to prevent SQL injection regardless of the magic_quotes_gpc configuration. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns, enforcing strict input validation at multiple layers of the application architecture, and regularly auditing application code for similar vulnerabilities. Security practitioners should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and logging to detect unauthorized access attempts and maintain comprehensive audit trails that can aid in forensic investigations following potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the dangers of relying on server configuration settings for security protection, emphasizing the need for defense-in-depth strategies that do not depend on single points of failure.