CVE-2008-6917 in ExoPHPDesk
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in admin.php in Exocrew ExoPHPDesk 1.2 Final allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the username (user parameter).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The CVE-2008-6917 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in Exocrew ExoPHPDesk version 1.2 Final, specifically within the admin.php administrative component. This vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input submitted through the username parameter, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands into the backend database. The flaw exists at the application layer where input validation mechanisms are insufficient to prevent malicious sql payload injection, allowing attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted user input.
This vulnerability operates under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a fundamental flaw in data validation and query construction. The attack vector specifically targets the administrative interface where the user parameter is processed without adequate sanitization or parameterization of database queries. When an attacker submits malicious input through the username field, the application directly incorporates this unvalidated data into sql statements without proper escaping or parameter binding mechanisms. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute unauthorized database operations including data retrieval, modification, deletion, and potentially administrative command execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and unauthorized administrative access. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to bypass authentication mechanisms, escalate privileges, and gain full control over the affected system. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of all data stored within the ExoPHPDesk application, potentially exposing sensitive user information, session data, and administrative credentials. Additionally, attackers can use this vulnerability to establish persistent access points, modify application behavior, and create backdoors for future exploitation. The remote nature of the attack means that no local system access is required, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase, specifically within the admin.php component where the vulnerability occurs. All user-supplied input must be sanitized and validated before processing, with strict type checking and length restrictions applied to the username parameter. Database access should be implemented through prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate sql code from data, preventing malicious sql injection payloads from executing. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles for administrative functions, along with regular security audits and input validation testing, will significantly reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to established security frameworks like the owasp top ten to prevent sql injection attacks in web applications.