CVE-2008-6485 in PHP Image Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in SoftComplex PHP Image Gallery allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the ctg parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6485 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the SoftComplex PHP Image Gallery application. This weakness specifically manifests in the index.php script where the ctg parameter fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into database queries. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper query construction practices that allow malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL code through crafted input values. Such flaws typically arise from insufficient data sanitization measures and failure to implement proper parameterized queries or prepared statements in the application's database interaction layer.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the ctg parameter, which is then directly embedded into SQL queries without proper escaping or validation. This creates an environment where attackers can manipulate database operations to extract sensitive information, modify database contents, or even execute administrative commands on the underlying database system. The attack vector operates entirely through HTTP requests, making it accessible to remote threat actors without requiring local system access or elevated privileges. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 which classifies SQL injection as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the exploitation of SQL injection vulnerabilities for data access and manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass full database compromise capabilities. Attackers can leverage this weakness to enumerate database schemas, extract user credentials, modify or delete critical data, and potentially establish persistent access through database-level backdoors. The affected application environment becomes vulnerable to various attack scenarios including credential harvesting, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation. Organizations running vulnerable versions of the SoftComplex PHP Image Gallery face significant risk of unauthorized data access, system integrity compromise, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability affects the application's authentication and authorization mechanisms, potentially allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls and gain unauthorized administrative privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query usage throughout the application codebase. System administrators should ensure that all user-supplied input is properly sanitized and validated before database processing occurs, with particular attention to the ctg parameter in this case. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries should be enforced across all database interaction points to prevent direct SQL command construction from user input. Additionally, the application should be updated to the latest available version from the vendor, as this vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though these should not replace proper code-level fixes. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities throughout the application's codebase, with particular emphasis on database interaction patterns and input handling mechanisms.