CVE-2008-6808 in EZ Link Directory
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in links.php in Scripts for Sites (SFS) EZ Link Directory 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-2008-6808 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Scripts for Sites (SFS) EZ Link Directory application. This security weakness specifically affects the links.php script and manifests when processing the cat_id parameter during list actions. The vulnerability stems from inadequate 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 payloads in the cat_id parameter that manipulate the underlying database queries, potentially allowing full database access and arbitrary command execution. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a fundamental weakness in software applications where untrusted data is directly incorporated into sql commands without proper sanitization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application processes user input through the cat_id parameter without implementing proper parameterized queries or input filtering. When a malicious user submits crafted sql payloads through this parameter, the application fails to validate or sanitize the input before executing it within the database context. This creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious sql code that can manipulate database contents, extract sensitive information, modify data, or even execute operating system commands depending on the database system and privileges. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates over remote network connections, allowing attackers to exploit the vulnerability from external systems without requiring local access to the target server.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6808 extends beyond simple data compromise, potentially enabling complete system takeover and data destruction. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive user information, financial data, or proprietary business information stored within the database. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, create backdoors, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire application ecosystem, potentially exposing multiple interconnected systems if the database server is not properly isolated. This weakness also violates fundamental security principles outlined in the mitre ATT&CK framework under the execution and credential access tactics, where attackers can leverage sql injection to gain unauthorized access to database resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6808 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to ensure that user-supplied data cannot influence sql command execution. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls and input sanitization filters to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that include database access controls, regular patch management, and network segmentation to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.