CVE-2008-6028 in Fez
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in list.php in University of Queensland Library Fez 1.3 and 2.0 RC1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the parent_id parameter in a subject action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6028 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the University of Queensland Library Fez 1.3 and 2.0 RC1 web applications. This security weakness resides in the list.php script and specifically targets the parent_id parameter when processing subject actions. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious sql code through this parameter, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information or executing arbitrary database commands. The vulnerability affects both the 1.3 and 2.0 release candidate versions of the Fez digital repository system, indicating a persistent issue across multiple iterations of the software.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the list.php script. When the application processes the parent_id parameter during subject action operations, it fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into sql queries. This omission creates an exploitable entry point where attackers can craft malicious payloads that bypass normal sql query execution boundaries. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application constructs dynamic sql statements without proper parameterization or input filtering mechanisms, allowing attackers to inject sql commands that execute with the privileges of the database user account.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, encompassing potential system compromise and unauthorized data manipulation. Remote attackers could leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information from the underlying database, including user credentials, system configurations, or proprietary academic content. The vulnerability also enables attackers to modify or delete database records, potentially corrupting the digital repository's integrity. Given that this affects a library management system, the consequences could include unauthorized access to restricted academic materials, disruption of scholarly resources, and potential compromise of institutional data assets. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit this vulnerability.
Security mitigations for CVE-2008-6028 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should immediately apply patches or updates provided by the vendor, as the vulnerability affects widely used versions of the Fez system. The recommended approach includes implementing prepared statements with parameterized queries, which separate sql code from data input, making injection attacks ineffective. Additionally, input sanitization measures should be enforced to filter or escape special characters that could be used in sql injection attempts. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense, while regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and represents a common attack vector categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications.