CVE-2008-6046 in ADbNewsSender
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in ADbNewsSender before 1.5.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors in (1) opt_in_out.php.inc, (2) confirmation.php.inc, and (3) renewal.php.inc in mailinglist/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-6046 represents a critical sql injection flaw affecting ADbNewsSender versions prior to 1.5.2. This vulnerability resides within the mailinglist directory of the application and specifically impacts three php include files: opt_in_out.php.inc, confirmation.php.inc, and renewal.php.inc. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands without authentication, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data that is directly incorporated into sql query constructions within these specific php files. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating parameters passed to these scripts, thereby injecting malicious sql code that gets executed by the underlying database engine. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a critical security flaw where untrusted data is improperly integrated into sql commands. The attack surface is particularly concerning as these files handle user subscription management, confirmation processes, and renewal operations which are frequently accessed by legitimate users, making exploitation more likely and potentially more damaging. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers can modify, delete, or extract sensitive information from the database, potentially leading to complete system takeover or data destruction.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe for any organization using affected versions of ADbNewsSender. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to the database backend, potentially accessing subscriber information, administrative credentials, or other sensitive data stored within the system. The three affected files represent core functionality of the mailing list management system, meaning that exploitation could occur during routine subscription, confirmation, or renewal activities. Attackers could use this vulnerability to escalate privileges, create backdoor accounts, or even execute operating system commands if the database server has appropriate permissions. The vulnerability's presence in multiple files increases the likelihood of successful exploitation since different attack vectors are available. From an attacker perspective, this represents a low-effort, high-impact attack vector that can be automated and does not require specialized knowledge of the application's internal workings beyond basic sql injection techniques. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1190 technique for exploitation of vulnerabilities, specifically targeting the database layer through improper input handling. Organizations using older versions of ADbNewsSender face significant risk as the vulnerability allows for persistent access and data manipulation that can remain undetected for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6046 must prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to version 1.5.2 or later where the sql injection vulnerabilities have been addressed. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures across all user-supplied data, particularly in the affected php include files. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application to prevent sql injection attacks. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of the affected application to untrusted networks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications within the organization's infrastructure. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched versions to ensure that all sql injection vectors have been properly addressed and that the application functions correctly after updates. Organizations should also review their incident response procedures to ensure preparedness for potential exploitation of this vulnerability, including monitoring for suspicious database activity and network traffic patterns that may indicate successful exploitation attempts. Security awareness training for developers should emphasize proper input validation techniques and the importance of secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future development efforts.