CVE-2008-6526 in Bos Classifieds
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in BosDev BosClassifieds allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cat_id parameter, a different vector than CVE-2008-1838.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6526 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the BosDev BosClassifieds classifieds platform, specifically affecting the index.php script. This vulnerability exposes the application to remote code execution attacks through improper input validation mechanisms. The flaw manifests when the cat_id parameter is processed without adequate sanitization, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands that the application subsequently executes. Unlike CVE-2008-1838 which targeted different attack vectors, this vulnerability specifically leverages the category identifier parameter to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection flaws as persistent security weaknesses that enable attackers to bypass application security controls. This particular vulnerability aligns with the attack technique described in the attack tree framework where adversaries exploit insufficient input validation to manipulate backend database operations. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft as it can enable full database compromise, allowing attackers to extract sensitive information, modify records, or even escalate privileges within the application environment.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2008-6526 occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input containing sql payload within the cat_id parameter of the index.php endpoint. The application fails to properly escape or validate the incoming parameter value before incorporating it into sql queries, creating a direct pathway for sql command injection. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard web application attack methodologies, requiring minimal technical expertise to implement. The attack vector specifically targets the parameter handling mechanism within the classifieds platform's core functionality, where category-based filtering is implemented. When the application processes the malicious cat_id parameter, the sql query structure becomes vulnerable to manipulation, potentially allowing attackers to execute commands with the privileges of the database user account under which the application operates. This vulnerability demonstrates the classic sql injection pattern where user-controllable input directly influences the execution flow of database operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6526 extends far beyond immediate data exposure, potentially compromising the entire classifieds platform infrastructure. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized access to sensitive user data, including personal information, contact details, and potentially financial records stored within the classifieds database. Attackers may also leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, modify or delete database entries, and potentially establish persistent access points within the application environment. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target the platform from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system. This risk is particularly significant for classifieds platforms that handle large volumes of user-generated content and personal data, as the compromised data could be used for identity theft, fraud, or other malicious activities. The vulnerability also poses a risk to the platform's overall integrity, as attackers could potentially modify the classifieds listings or manipulate the application's behavior to serve malicious content to legitimate users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6526 should prioritize immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized query approaches to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization mechanisms that validate and filter all user-supplied data before processing, particularly for parameters used in database operations. The recommended approach involves using prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate sql command structure from data values, effectively neutralizing the injection threat. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules can provide additional layers of protection against such attacks. System administrators should also conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scans to identify similar weaknesses within the application codebase. The remediation process should include thorough code review of all parameter handling mechanisms and implementation of proper error handling to prevent information disclosure. Security patches should be applied immediately upon availability from the vendor, and organizations should establish robust monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. Compliance with industry standards such as owasp top ten and iso 27001 security requirements should guide the implementation of these mitigation measures to ensure comprehensive protection against sql injection vulnerabilities.