CVE-2008-6312 in ProQuiz
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in ProQuiz 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the username parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6312 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the ProQuiz 1.0 web application's index.php script. This security weakness specifically targets the username parameter, creating an exploitable entry point that enables remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database through maliciously crafted input. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter or escape user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL query structures. The impact of this flaw extends beyond simple data theft as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially leading to complete database compromise, unauthorized data modification, or even system takeover.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a code injection technique where untrusted data is embedded into SQL queries without proper sanitization. This flaw operates at the application layer and specifically demonstrates how improper parameter handling can create pathways for attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability exists because the application does not employ prepared statements or parameterized queries, instead concatenating user input directly into SQL command strings. Attackers can exploit this by injecting malicious SQL syntax through the username parameter, potentially executing commands such as UNION SELECT statements, DROP TABLE operations, or other database manipulation functions that can reveal, modify, or destroy database contents.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6312 is severe and multifaceted, affecting organizations that rely on ProQuiz 1.0 for educational assessment management. Remote exploitation of this vulnerability means that attackers can potentially access student records, quiz results, user credentials, and other sensitive academic data without requiring local system access or authentication. The implications extend to data integrity and availability, as attackers could modify quiz configurations, delete user accounts, or corrupt database structures. This vulnerability particularly affects educational institutions and organizations using web-based quiz systems, where the exposure of student performance data or manipulation of assessment results could have significant academic and administrative consequences. The remote nature of the attack vector increases the risk profile considerably, as it allows exploitation from any network location without requiring physical access to the target system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques, including the adoption of parameterized queries or prepared statements that separate SQL command structure from user data. Organizations should also implement proper output encoding and escape sequences to prevent malicious input from being interpreted as executable SQL code. Additionally, regular security testing including automated vulnerability scanning and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in application code. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation rules can provide additional layers of protection, while regular security updates and patches should be maintained to address known vulnerabilities. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, emphasizing the need for proper application security controls and network segmentation to limit potential attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and database audit logging to detect and respond to unauthorized database access attempts.