CVE-2008-6189 in GForge
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in GForge 4.5.19 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the offset parameter to (1) new/index.php, (2) news/index.php, and (3) top/topusers.php, which is not properly handled in database-pgsql.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6189 represents a critical sql injection flaw within GForge version 4.5.19, a collaborative software platform designed for project management and code hosting. This vulnerability specifically affects three key php scripts that handle user-facing content and data retrieval operations. The attack vector exploits the improper handling of user-supplied input through the offset parameter, which is commonly used for pagination purposes in web applications. When attackers manipulate this parameter, they can inject malicious sql commands that bypass normal input validation mechanisms and directly interact with the underlying database layer.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization within the database-pgsql.php file, which serves as the postgresql database abstraction layer for GForge. The offset parameter, when processed by these three affected scripts, fails to properly escape or validate user input before incorporating it into sql query construction. This allows attackers to inject sql payloads that can manipulate database operations including data retrieval, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects multiple entry points within the application, increasing the attack surface and potential impact of exploitation. The flaw directly maps to CWE-89, which categorizes sql injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental weakness in software design that allows attackers to execute unauthorized sql commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain complete control over the database backend. Attackers could potentially extract sensitive user information, modify project data, or even escalate privileges within the application. The affected scripts handle different aspects of the application's functionality including new project listings, news updates, and user activity tracking, meaning that exploitation could compromise multiple data domains within the platform. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for collaborative environments where GForge is used for managing sensitive source code repositories, project documentation, and user credentials. The attack requires no special privileges or authentication, making it a remote code execution vulnerability that could be exploited by anyone with access to the affected web application.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input validation and parameter sanitization across all affected scripts. The recommended approach involves implementing proper sql parameterization techniques to ensure that user input cannot be interpreted as sql commands, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer attacks. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious sql injection patterns, particularly targeting the offset parameter in the affected php scripts. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. Additionally, the affected GForge version should be updated to a patched release that properly handles sql injection attempts through input validation and parameter binding mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against common attack vectors like sql injection through proper database abstraction layer implementation and comprehensive input sanitization.