CVE-2008-5888 in Click
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Click&Rank allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter to (1) hitcounter.asp, (2) user_delete.asp, and (3) user_update.asp; (4) the userid parameter to admin_login.asp (aka the USERNAME field in admin.asp); and (5) the PassWord parameter to admin_login.asp (aka the PASSWORD field in admin.asp). NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The CVE-2008-5888 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw in the Click&Rank web application that affects multiple server-side scripts. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's database interaction mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands through carefully crafted parameters. The affected scripts include hitcounter.asp, user_delete.asp, user_update.asp, admin_login.asp, and related administrative components, making this a widespread concern across the application's functionality.
The technical flaw manifests through improper parameter handling where user-supplied input from the id, userid, and PassWord parameters is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without adequate sanitization or parameterization. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The flaw exists in the application's database abstraction layer where raw user input is concatenated into SQL statements rather than being properly parameterized or escaped, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to manipulate database queries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides remote attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the underlying database server. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, escalate privileges, or potentially gain full administrative control over the database. The vulnerability affects multiple attack vectors through different entry points, including user management functions and administrative login processes, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited both by regular users and potential attackers attempting to bypass authentication mechanisms.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1071.005 Application Layer Protocol and T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it targets publicly accessible web applications with remote execution capabilities. The attack surface extends beyond simple data theft to include complete system compromise through database manipulation. Organizations using Click&Rank applications face significant risk of data breaches, unauthorized access, and potential system takeover if this vulnerability remains unpatched. The vulnerability's presence in administrative login components particularly increases risk as successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation, parameterized queries, and input sanitization across all affected scripts. The recommended approach includes replacing direct parameter concatenation with prepared statements or parameterized queries, implementing comprehensive input filtering, and establishing proper output encoding. Security measures should also include regular security assessments, web application firewalls, and network segmentation to limit potential impact. Organizations should also consider implementing least privilege principles for database access and regular monitoring for suspicious database activity. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing database-related attacks, particularly in legacy applications that may not have been designed with modern security considerations in mind.