CVE-2008-6246 in EZ Webring
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in category.php in Scripts For Sites (SFS) EZ Webring allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cat parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6246 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the category.php script of Scripts For Sites EZ Webring software. This vulnerability specifically targets the cat parameter which is used to process category-related requests within the webring application. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the sql query execution by injecting malicious sql commands through the cat parameter, potentially compromising the entire database backend. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's sql query construction process, creating a direct pathway for unauthorized database access and manipulation. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of cwe-89 sql injection as defined by the common weakness enumeration framework, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malicious payload through the cat parameter in the category.php script. The application fails to properly sanitize or escape user input before incorporating it into sql queries, allowing attackers to inject sql commands that can execute with the privileges of the database user account. This creates a scenario where attackers can perform unauthorized read, write, or delete operations on the database, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables remote code execution capabilities through sql injection, allowing attackers to escalate privileges and gain deeper access to the underlying system infrastructure. The attack vector is straightforward and requires minimal technical expertise, making it a high-risk vulnerability that has been widely exploited in the past.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6246 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential data destruction. Organizations using the affected Scripts For Sites EZ Webring software face significant risks including unauthorized data access, database corruption, information disclosure, and potential service disruption. The vulnerability can be exploited to extract sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, and system configurations that may be stored within the database. Attackers can also leverage this vulnerability to modify or delete database entries, potentially causing operational disruptions. The attack can be executed from any location with network access to the vulnerable application, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. According to the attack technique framework, this vulnerability aligns with techniques categorized under t1071.004 application layer protocol and t1213.002 data from information repositories, representing the exploitation of application-level weaknesses to access and manipulate data repositories.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6246 should focus on immediate input validation and parameterized query implementation. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization techniques that validate and filter all user-supplied data before processing, ensuring that sql metacharacters are properly escaped or removed. The most effective long-term solution involves migrating to parameterized queries or prepared statements that separate sql code from data, preventing malicious sql commands from being executed. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules can provide additional layers of protection against sql injection attacks. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws within the application codebase. The remediation process should also include updating to the latest version of the Scripts For Sites EZ Webring software where available, as vendors typically release patches to address known vulnerabilities. System administrators should also implement proper access controls and database user privilege management to limit the potential damage from successful sql injection attempts, following the principle of least privilege as recommended by security best practices.