CVE-2008-5928 in FLDS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in redir.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 vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5928 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Free Links Directory Script version 12a, specifically affecting the redirphp component. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the id parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the application's database queries by injecting malicious sql code through the targeted parameter, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability stems from the script's failure to properly escape or parameterize user input before incorporating it into database operations, creating an avenue for attackers to exploit the application's database layer directly.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows the classic sql injection attack pattern where malicious input is crafted to alter the intended sql query execution flow. When an attacker supplies a specially crafted id parameter value, the application processes this input directly within a sql statement without proper input validation or sanitization. This creates a scenario where the attacker's input becomes part of the sql command itself, potentially allowing the execution of unintended database operations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 as sql injection, which is a well-documented weakness in web applications where user input is improperly handled in sql queries. The attack vector is remote and requires no authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the vulnerable application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, encompassing complete database compromise and potential system infiltration. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and application configuration details. The vulnerability also permits attackers to modify or delete database records, potentially corrupting the entire directory structure or rendering the application unusable. In more severe scenarios, attackers might escalate privileges to gain shell access or execute arbitrary code on the underlying server, especially if the application runs with elevated database permissions. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire directory system, potentially compromising all linked services or applications that depend on the compromised database.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application code, specifically within the redirphp component. All user-supplied input should be sanitized and validated before being processed in any database operations, with strict type checking and length limitations applied to the id parameter. The implementation should follow the principle of least privilege, ensuring that database accounts used by the application have minimal required permissions. Additionally, the application should employ proper error handling that does not expose database structure information to end users, and input should be properly escaped according to the target database's escaping requirements. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, while conducting regular security assessments and code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper database query construction, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of vulnerable web applications and emphasizing the need for defensive programming practices throughout the software development lifecycle.