CVE-2008-6789 in Photo Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in MindDezign Photo Gallery 2.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the username parameter in a login action to the admin module in index.php, a different vector than CVE-2008-6788.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2024
The CVE-2008-6789 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw discovered in MindDezign Photo Gallery version 2.2 that specifically targets the administrative login functionality. This vulnerability operates through the username parameter within the login action of the admin module located in index.php, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database system. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution vector that could potentially allow unauthorized users to gain administrative access to the photo gallery system and manipulate database contents directly.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the authentication process. When users attempt to log into the administrative interface, the system fails to properly escape or filter the username parameter before incorporating it into sql queries. This lack of proper sanitization creates an environment where maliciously crafted input can be interpreted by the sql engine as executable commands rather than simple data values. The vulnerability specifically affects the admin module's login functionality, making it distinct from CVE-2008-6788 which likely targets different components of the same application.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using MindDezign Photo Gallery 2.2, as it enables remote attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms entirely. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to view, modify, or delete sensitive data including user credentials, uploaded images, and system configuration information. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to potential system infiltration and persistence mechanisms that could be leveraged for further attacks within the network infrastructure. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability operates as a separate attack vector from other related issues in the same product line, indicating multiple points of weakness in the application's security architecture.
The vulnerability aligns with common weakness enumerations such as CWE-89 sql injection, which is categorized under the broader category of injection flaws that represent one of the most prevalent and dangerous security vulnerabilities in web applications. This weakness specifically manifests in the authentication module where user-provided data is directly incorporated into database queries without proper validation. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this vulnerability requires no prior authentication to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to target the system from any network location. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access and privilege escalation through exploitation of software vulnerabilities, specifically targeting the credential validation process to gain unauthorized access to administrative functions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6789 should prioritize immediate patching of the MindDezign Photo Gallery application to the latest secure version that addresses this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures to ensure that all user-provided data is properly escaped before being used in database queries. Additionally, deploying web application firewalls and implementing proper access controls can provide additional layers of defense. Security teams should also consider conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar injection flaws within the application's codebase and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be enforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future versions of the application.