CVE-2008-6525 in Nice PHP FAQ Script
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Admin Panel in Nice PHP FAQ Script (Knowledge base Script) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the Password parameter (aka the pass field).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The CVE-2008-6525 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Nice PHP FAQ Script administration interface, specifically targeting the password parameter handling mechanism. This vulnerability resides in the knowledge base script's admin panel where user authentication credentials are processed, creating a direct pathway for malicious actors to bypass normal authentication procedures and gain unauthorized access to administrative functions. The flaw manifests when the system fails to properly sanitize or validate user input submitted through the password field, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql code that gets executed within the database context.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 which defines sql injection as the insertion of malicious sql fragments into input data that is then processed by a sql interpreter. The attack vector specifically targets the pass field parameter, which is likely used in sql queries for authentication validation or password modification operations. When an attacker submits crafted sql payloads through this parameter, the system processes these inputs without adequate sanitization, enabling the execution of arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple authentication bypass to potentially allow full database compromise, data exfiltration, and unauthorized modifications to the knowledge base content.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe for organizations relying on the Nice PHP FAQ Script for their knowledge management systems. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to gain administrative privileges without proper authentication, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Once authenticated, attackers can modify or delete knowledge base articles, inject malicious content, access sensitive user data, or even escalate privileges to system-level access depending on database configuration. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system or network, making it particularly dangerous for web applications hosting sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6525 should prioritize immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations must ensure that all user inputs, particularly those used in database operations, are properly sanitized and validated before processing. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries should be mandatory for any database interactions within the application. Additionally, access controls should be strengthened through proper authentication mechanisms, including account lockout policies and multi-factor authentication. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection, while regular updates and patches should be applied to address known vulnerabilities. The remediation approach should align with industry best practices outlined in the owasp top ten and nist cybersecurity framework to ensure comprehensive protection against sql injection threats.