CVE-2008-6237 in Hotscripts-like Site
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in software-description.php in Scripts For Sites (SFS) Hotscripts-like Site allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6237 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the software-description.php script of Scripts For Sites Hotscripts-like Site software. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the id parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database query structure by injecting malicious SQL code through the vulnerable parameter, potentially enabling unauthorized access to sensitive data or complete database compromise. The vulnerability specifically affects web applications that utilize dynamic SQL queries constructed from user input, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can exploit the lack of proper input filtering mechanisms. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited from remote locations without requiring authentication or privileged access to the system. The attack vector involves crafting malicious SQL payloads that are then executed within the database context, potentially leading to data exfiltration, modification of database contents, or even complete system compromise through database-level command execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. This classification indicates that the flaw represents a direct failure in input validation and output encoding within the application's data handling processes. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of parameterized queries or prepared statements, which are fundamental defensive measures against SQL injection attacks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform unauthorized database operations by injecting SQL syntax into the id parameter, potentially bypassing authentication mechanisms, extracting confidential information, or modifying database records. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates at the database level, meaning that successful exploitation can result in comprehensive data breaches or system disruption. The lack of proper input validation means that the application treats user-supplied data as executable code, creating a direct pathway for malicious SQL commands to be interpreted and executed by the database engine.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6237 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass potential system compromise and business disruption. Organizations running affected software versions face significant risk of unauthorized data access, which could include user credentials, personal information, or proprietary business data. The vulnerability creates an attack surface that can be exploited by automated scanning tools or manual attackers to identify and exploit multiple instances of the flaw across different systems. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information systems, potentially violating compliance requirements and regulatory standards such as those outlined in the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard or the General Data Protection Regulation. The long-term operational consequences include potential legal liability, reputation damage, and financial losses from data breaches or system downtime. Organizations may also face increased security audit costs and mandatory compliance remediation efforts, as this vulnerability would likely be identified during routine security assessments or penetration testing activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6237 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious SQL code from being executed. The primary defense involves adopting parameterized queries or prepared statements, which ensure that user input is treated as data rather than executable code. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization techniques, including character filtering and length validation for the id parameter, to prevent injection attacks. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by configuring database accounts with minimal required permissions, limiting the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to eliminate known vulnerabilities, while comprehensive logging and monitoring systems should be deployed to detect and respond to exploitation attempts. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. The implementation of proper error handling mechanisms is also crucial to prevent information leakage that could aid attackers in understanding the database structure or application behavior. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities within their application portfolios, ensuring comprehensive protection against SQL injection threats and maintaining compliance with industry security standards.