CVE-2008-6794 in Fsf Ex Pub
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in directory.php in Scripts For Sites (SFS) EZ Pub Site allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cat parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6794 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the directory.php script of Scripts For Sites EZ Pub Site web application. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the cat parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious sql code directly into the application's database query execution flow, potentially enabling complete database compromise and unauthorized data access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the directory.php script where the cat parameter is directly incorporated into sql queries without appropriate escaping or parameterization. This design flaw falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities. The vulnerability operates by manipulating the cat parameter to inject additional sql commands that bypass normal input filtering mechanisms, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary database operations with the privileges of the web application's database user account.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents severe implications for affected organizations as it enables attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion. The remote execution capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network presence to exploit this flaw. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise, leading to data breaches, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability also aligns with attack techniques documented in the mitre ATT&CK framework under the database access and data exfiltration tactics.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically involves crafting malicious input payloads that manipulate the sql query structure to execute unintended commands. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information from the database, modify existing records, or even add new entries to the database. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as the vulnerability can be used to establish persistent access through database backdoors or to escalate privileges within the application environment. Organizations running affected versions of the EZ Pub Site application face significant risk of unauthorized access to their customer data, business information, and other sensitive database content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6794 should prioritize immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. The most effective remediation involves sanitizing all user input through proper escaping mechanisms or utilizing prepared statements with parameterized queries. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls and input validation controls at the network perimeter to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. Additionally, applying the latest security patches from Scripts For Sites and implementing proper database access controls will significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing sql injection attacks that remain one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security threats.