CVE-2008-6333 in RSS Simple News
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in news.php in RSS Simple News (RSSSN), when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the pid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2024
The CVE-2008-6333 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the RSS Simple News (RSSSN) web application, specifically affecting the news.php script. This vulnerability emerges when the php configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input. The vulnerability manifests through the pid parameter, which serves as the primary attack vector for executing malicious sql commands against the underlying database system. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and proper sql query sanitization, exposing the application to unauthorized data access and potential system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs because the application fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into sql queries. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, php does not automatically escape special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data, leaving the application susceptible to malicious input. Attackers can manipulate the pid parameter to inject sql code that bypasses normal authentication mechanisms and executes arbitrary commands on the database server. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89, which defines sql injection as the improper handling of sql query structure, allowing attackers to manipulate database operations. The weakness stems from inadequate input filtering and the absence of prepared statements or parameterized queries, creating a direct path for attackers to manipulate database queries through user-supplied input.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6333 extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables comprehensive database compromise and potential system escalation. Remote attackers can extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and application configuration details from the database. The vulnerability also permits data manipulation, allowing attackers to modify or delete records within the database, potentially disrupting service availability and integrity. Furthermore, successful exploitation could lead to privilege escalation within the database environment, enabling attackers to execute administrative commands and potentially gain access to underlying server resources. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1190, covering exploitation of remote services, demonstrating how attackers can leverage web application flaws to achieve broader system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6333 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and output sanitization measures. The most effective remediation involves implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries to separate sql logic from data input, ensuring that user-supplied parameters cannot alter the intended sql structure. Organizations should also enable magic_quotes_gpc or implement comprehensive input filtering mechanisms to sanitize all user-supplied data before processing. Additionally, the application should employ proper error handling to prevent information disclosure that could aid attackers in further exploitation attempts. Security measures should include regular input validation, database access controls, and monitoring for suspicious query patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for preventing sql injection attacks, emphasizing the need for defense-in-depth strategies that protect against multiple attack vectors and reduce the overall attack surface of web applications.