CVE-2008-6780 in EZ Affiliate
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in directory.php in Scripts for Sites (SFS) SFS EZ Affiliate allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cat_id parameter in a list action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6780 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Scripts for Sites SFS EZ Affiliate application. This weakness exists in the directory.php script which processes user input through the cat_id parameter during list actions. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql queries. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious sql payloads through the cat_id parameter, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the underlying database system. The flaw falls under the category of improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands, which aligns with common weakness enumeration CWE-89. This type of vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate the sql execution flow and can result in data theft, data corruption, or complete system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a specially crafted cat_id parameter value that contains malicious sql code. The directory.php script processes this input without adequate sanitization, directly embedding the user-supplied value into sql queries. This creates an environment where sql commands can be executed with the privileges of the web application's database user account. The impact extends beyond simple data retrieval as attackers can perform destructive operations such as dropping tables, modifying sensitive information, or even escalating privileges to gain administrative access to the database. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for remote code execution through sql injection techniques, enabling attackers to bypass traditional authentication mechanisms and directly interact with the database infrastructure.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using the SFS EZ Affiliate platform. The remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or knowledge of internal network structures to launch attacks. The affected application likely handles affiliate marketing data, user information, and potentially financial transaction records, making the potential impact substantial. The vulnerability can be exploited through web browser interfaces or automated tools, making it accessible to attackers with varying technical skill levels. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues, data breaches, and reputational damage if such vulnerabilities remain unpatched. The attack surface is broad as any user with access to the directory.php script can potentially exploit this weakness, including legitimate users who may be compromised through other attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6780 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected SFS EZ Affiliate application to address the sql injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, including parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent sql injection attacks. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring database accounts used by the web application have minimal required permissions and access rights. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can help identify and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application. The remediation efforts should also include implementing web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms to block malicious sql payloads before they reach the application logic. Additionally, security awareness training for developers can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in future application development cycles, aligning with defense in depth principles from the attack framework.