CVE-2008-6016 in EsFaq
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in questions.php in EsFaq 2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cid parameter, a different vector than CVE-2008-3952. 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 • 06/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6016 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in the EsFaq 2.0 web application's questions.php script. This vulnerability specifically targets the cid parameter, which serves as an entry point for malicious SQL commands to be executed on the underlying database server. The flaw allows remote attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within the application's database infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the questions.php script. When the application processes the cid parameter without adequate filtering or parameterized query construction, it becomes susceptible to malicious input that can alter the intended SQL query execution flow. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The vulnerability operates by concatenating user-supplied input directly into SQL command strings, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious SQL code that executes with the privileges of the database user account.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate, modify, or delete database records. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to extract confidential information such as user credentials, personal data, or business-sensitive records stored within the EsFaq 2.0 application. The vulnerability's classification as a remote attack vector means that exploitation can occur without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications exposed to public networks. Attackers may also use this vulnerability to escalate privileges within the database environment or to establish persistent access points for future exploitation attempts.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application code. The recommended approach involves using prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL command structure from data input, thereby preventing malicious input from being interpreted as executable SQL code. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization routines and employing web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection against similar injection attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for database accounts used by the application, ensuring that database access permissions are restricted to only necessary operations. The vulnerability's distinction from CVE-2008-3952 highlights the importance of comprehensive security testing that covers all input parameters within web applications, as different attack vectors may exist even within similar software components. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for regular security assessments and code reviews to identify and remediate injection flaws before they can be exploited by malicious actors.