CVE-2008-5923 in XM Events Diary
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in default.asp in ASP-DEv XM Events Diary allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands the cat parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2024
The CVE-2008-5923 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the ASP-DEv XM Events Diary application's default.asp component. This vulnerability specifically targets the cat parameter, which serves as an entry point for malicious sql commands. The flaw exists within the application's input validation mechanisms, where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into sql queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input through the cat parameter that gets executed as part of the sql statement, potentially allowing full database access and command execution. The vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a serious security flaw that enables attackers to manipulate database queries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits specially crafted sql commands through the cat parameter in the default.asp page. The application fails to validate or sanitize the input before incorporating it into sql queries, creating a direct path for sql injection attacks. This allows threat actors to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive data from the database, modify or delete information, and potentially escalate privileges within the affected system. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates over network connections and can be executed remotely without requiring local system access. According to the attack technique framework, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation and T1190 which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-5923 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential data destruction. Organizations running vulnerable versions of ASP-DEv XM Events Diary face significant risks including unauthorized database access, data leakage of sensitive information, and potential system infiltration. The vulnerability could enable attackers to gain access to user credentials, personal information, and business data stored within the application's database. This exposure creates cascading security risks where compromised systems can serve as launching points for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects web-based applications that are commonly accessible over the internet and may contain valuable organizational data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized queries. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization techniques that filter or escape special characters that could be used in sql injection attacks. The recommended approach involves using parameterized queries or prepared statements to ensure that user input cannot alter the intended sql structure. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules can provide additional layers of protection against such attacks. Security patches and updates from the vendor should be applied immediately, while network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit potential damage. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications. According to industry best practices and standards such as those outlined in the owasp top ten project, this vulnerability represents a critical risk that requires immediate attention and remediation to prevent successful exploitation.