CVE-2008-5975 in Active Price Comparison
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in links.asp in Active Price Comparison 4.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the linkid parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5975 represents a critical sql injection flaw in the Active Price Comparison 4.0 web application, specifically within the links.asp component. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through the linkid parameter. The flaw exists in the application's handling of web requests where user input directly influences sql command construction without proper parameterization or filtering mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input for the linkid parameter in the links.asp script, allowing them to inject arbitrary sql commands into the backend database. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities. 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 web application. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic improper neutralization of special elements in sql queries, where user-controllable input is directly concatenated into sql statements without proper escaping or parameter binding.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to execute unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to gain access to sensitive information stored within the application's database, including user credentials, product data, pricing information, and potentially system configuration details. The remote execution capability means that attackers can operate from any location with internet access, making the attack surface extremely broad. This vulnerability also provides a potential foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure, as database access often reveals additional system information that can be used for privilege escalation or lateral movement.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several tactics and techniques documented in the attack tactic and technique knowledge base, particularly those related to initial access and execution phases. The vulnerability represents a significant risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, as it allows for unauthorized data manipulation and potential system compromise. Organizations using Active Price Comparison 4.0 should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and web application firewalls to protect against exploitation. The remediation approach should focus on proper sql query construction using prepared statements or parameterized queries, which directly addresses the root cause of the vulnerability. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application stack.