CVE-2008-5946 in PHP-Fusion
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in readmore.php in PHP-Fusion 4.01 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the news_id parameter.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2025
The CVE-2008-5946 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in PHP-Fusion 4.01's readmore.php script that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary database commands through the news_id parameter. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses in software applications. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the php-fusion content management system, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability exists because the application directly incorporates user-supplied input into sql statements without proper escaping or parameterization techniques, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql code that gets executed by the database server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload targeting the news_id parameter in the readmore.php script. By manipulating this parameter, an attacker can inject sql commands that bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive data, modify database records, or even gain administrative access to the php-fusion installation. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to compromise the entire database backend, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet. This weakness aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting web application vulnerabilities through sql injection attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-5946 is severe for organizations running vulnerable php-fusion installations, as it provides attackers with unrestricted access to sensitive information stored within the database. This includes user credentials, personal information, and potentially confidential business data that may be stored in the cms database. The vulnerability creates persistent access points that can be exploited repeatedly, making it a high-value target for attackers seeking long-term system compromise. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, data breach notifications, and potential legal consequences if sensitive data is compromised through this vulnerability. The exploitation of this flaw can also serve as a stepping stone for further attacks within a network, as attackers often use initial access to establish footholds for broader reconnaissance and lateral movement activities. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper database query construction practices, which are fundamental requirements in secure software development lifecycle processes and align with industry standards such as those outlined in the owasp top ten project.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected php-fusion version to the latest available security updates from the vendor. Organizations should implement proper input validation mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, ensuring that sql special characters are properly escaped or that parameterized queries are utilized. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring and filtering malicious traffic patterns associated with sql injection attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping software components updated and maintaining comprehensive security monitoring systems that can detect and respond to exploitation attempts in real-time. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and database permissions can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts, ensuring that even if an attacker gains access to the database, they cannot perform destructive operations beyond what is necessary for their attack objectives.