CVE-2008-5998 in Ajax Checklist
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in the ajax_checklist_save function in the Ajax Checklist module 5.x before 5.x-1.1 for Drupal allow remote authenticated users, with "update ajax checklists" permissions, to execute arbitrary SQL commands via a save operation, related to the (1) nid, (2) qid, and (3) state parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-5998 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Ajax Checklist module for Drupal version 5.x prior to 5.x-1.1. This security weakness specifically targets the ajax_checklist_save function which processes user inputs during checklist save operations. The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the module's handling of specific parameters, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation that could compromise the entire database infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the module's failure to properly escape or validate user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL query constructions. Attackers with legitimate "update ajax checklists" permissions can manipulate the nid (node identifier), qid (question identifier), and state parameters during save operations to inject malicious SQL commands. This represents a classic SQL injection attack vector where the application's trust in user-provided data leads to unauthorized database access. The vulnerability operates under CWE-89 which classifies SQL injection as a weakness that allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands through improper input handling.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Drupal-based systems as it requires only authenticated users with specific permissions to exploit. The attack surface is limited to systems utilizing the Ajax Checklist module, but the impact extends beyond simple data theft to include potential system compromise, data manipulation, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The fact that the vulnerability requires minimal privileges to exploit makes it particularly dangerous in environments where user permissions are not strictly enforced or monitored. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which addresses valid accounts as a means of gaining access to systems.
The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to various security consequences including unauthorized data access, data modification, data deletion, and potentially full system compromise. Attackers could extract sensitive information from the database, modify existing records, or even escalate their privileges within the application. The modular nature of Drupal means that organizations using the Ajax Checklist module would be vulnerable regardless of other security measures in place, making this a critical issue requiring immediate attention. Organizations should consider implementing proper input validation, parameterized queries, and regular security updates as mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability and similar issues in their Drupal environments.