CVE-2008-6618 in ClassSystem
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in ClassSystem 2.3 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the teacher_id parameter in (1) class/HomepageMain.php and (2) class/HomepageTop.php, and (3) the message_id parameter in class/MessageReply.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6618 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting ClassSystem 2.3, a web-based educational management platform. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper parameter handling within the application's PHP scripts, creating exploitable pathways for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The affected components include three distinct PHP files that process user inputs without sufficient sanitization, making the entire system susceptible to unauthorized database access and potential data breaches.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through three specific parameters that fail to properly validate or escape user-supplied data before incorporating them into SQL queries. The teacher_id parameter in HomepageMain.php and HomepageTop.php demonstrates a classic case of insufficient input filtering where malicious SQL code can be injected directly into the database execution layer. Similarly, the message_id parameter in MessageReply.php presents an identical weakness, allowing attackers to manipulate the underlying database structure through carefully crafted input sequences. These vulnerabilities fall under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL commands without proper escaping or parameterization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as remote attackers can execute arbitrary SQL commands with the privileges of the database user account. This capability enables comprehensive system compromise including data exfiltration, unauthorized user account creation, database schema manipulation, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Attackers can leverage these vulnerabilities to gain persistent access to educational institution databases containing sensitive student information, teacher records, and administrative data. The remote nature of the exploitation means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making the attack surface significantly broader and more dangerous.
Security professionals should immediately implement input validation controls and parameterized queries to address this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation strategies include implementing proper input sanitization routines that filter or escape all user-supplied data before database interaction, utilizing prepared statements with parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection, and implementing proper access controls to limit database privileges. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, while conducting regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the need for comprehensive application security hardening measures. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against common web application vulnerabilities that remain prevalent in legacy systems.