CVE-2008-6720 in PHP Links
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in admin/adm_login.php in DeltaScripts PHP Links 1.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the admin_username parameter (aka the admin field).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6720 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the DeltaScripts PHP Links 1.3 software suite, specifically affecting the administrative login component. This vulnerability exists in the admin/adm_login.php file where the application fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into sql query constructions. The affected parameter admin_username, also referred to as the admin field, serves as the primary attack vector for malicious actors seeking to compromise the system's administrative interface. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and improper sql query construction practices that allow attackers to inject malicious sql code through the login form's username field.
This sql injection vulnerability operates under the weakness classification of CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands. The attack exploits the fundamental lack of input sanitization mechanisms within the application's authentication process, enabling remote threat actors to bypass normal authentication procedures. When an attacker submits malicious sql code through the admin_username parameter, the application processes this input without proper validation, allowing the injected commands to execute within the database context. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it targets the administrative login mechanism, providing attackers with direct access to privileged system functions and potentially full control over the application's backend operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited to manipulate the entire database structure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including administrative credentials, user data, and potentially system configuration details. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit the flaw. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of sql injection to gain access to databases, and represents a common exploitation pattern that has been documented across numerous web applications over the years. The consequences include potential data breaches, unauthorized modifications to the application's data, and the possibility of establishing persistent backdoors within the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized sql queries to prevent malicious code injection. Developers should employ prepared statements and parameterized queries to ensure that user input is never directly concatenated into sql commands. Additionally, implementing proper authentication mechanisms with account lockout features and input sanitization routines will significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify similar flaws in other components of their web applications. The remediation process should include updating to the latest version of DeltaScripts PHP Links or implementing custom patches that address the specific input validation shortcomings. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious sql injection attempts and provide additional layers of defense against such attacks.