CVE-2008-6327 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 password parameter, a different vector than CVE-2008-6312.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6327 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the ProQuiz 1.0 web application's index.php file. This vulnerability specifically targets the password parameter handling mechanism, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database system. The flaw demonstrates a classic input validation failure where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into sql query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. Unlike similar vulnerabilities such as CVE-2008-6312 which may affect different parameters or attack vectors, this specific weakness focuses on the password field processing within the authentication flow, making it particularly dangerous for credential-related operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices within the application's php codebase. When a user submits a password value through the index.php interface, the application fails to properly escape or parameterize the input before incorporating it into sql statements. This creates an environment where malicious actors can inject sql payload sequences that manipulate the intended query execution flow. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can submit data to the targeted web interface. The flaw falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities, and aligns with attack techniques documented in the mitre att&ck framework under the database access and command execution categories.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6327 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass full database compromise capabilities. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive user credentials, modify or delete database records, execute administrative commands, and potentially escalate privileges within the application environment. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or network to exploit the flaw, significantly increasing the attack surface and potential damage scope. Organizations running ProQuiz 1.0 are particularly vulnerable as this represents a fundamental security weakness that could lead to complete system compromise, user data breaches, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The impact is compounded by the fact that sql injection vulnerabilities of this type often serve as initial access points for more sophisticated attack chains.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6327 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper parameterized queries or prepared statements throughout the application codebase, specifically targeting the password parameter handling in index.php. Input validation should be strengthened to reject or sanitize potentially malicious characters before any database interaction occurs. Additionally, implementing proper error handling that does not expose database structure information to end users prevents attackers from gathering intelligence about the underlying sql schema. Security hardening measures should include restricting database user privileges to the minimum necessary for application functionality, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block sql injection attempts, and conducting regular security assessments. Organizations should also consider implementing application security monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process must include comprehensive code review to identify and address similar vulnerabilities in other application components, as sql injection flaws often exist in multiple locations within poorly secured applications.