CVE-2008-7044 in Free Polling Script
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in admin/include/newpoll.php in AJ Square Free Polling Script (AJPoll) Database version allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the ques parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2024
The CVE-2008-7044 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the AJ Square Free Polling Script database version, specifically affecting the admin/include/newpoll.php component. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user input through the ques parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands directly into the application's database layer, potentially compromising the entire backend system. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe given that it affects the administrative interface component, which typically possesses elevated privileges and access to sensitive data structures. The affected application appears to be a polling script designed for web-based survey management, where the ques parameter likely represents the question text for new polls being created through the administrative interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the ques parameter in the newpoll.php script. Without proper input validation or parameterized query execution, the application directly incorporates user-supplied data into SQL query construction. This creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries and execute arbitrary SQL commands. The vulnerability falls under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is used in database queries without proper sanitization. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers do not require local system access or authentication credentials to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-7044 extends beyond simple data corruption or unauthorized access. Successful exploitation can result in complete database compromise, allowing attackers to extract sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, or system configuration details. The administrative interface being compromised means that attackers could potentially modify poll results, manipulate voting data, or even gain persistent access to the system through database-level backdoors. This vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges within the database environment, potentially leading to further compromise of network infrastructure. The impact is exacerbated by the fact that this is a polling script, which may be used in contexts where data integrity and security are paramount, such as in government, educational, or corporate environments where polling data could be politically or commercially sensitive.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-7044 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application code, particularly in the admin/include/newpoll.php component. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which focuses on exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications through SQL injection attacks. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, along with regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The remediation process should include proper sanitization of all user inputs, implementation of least privilege principles for database connections, and regular security updates to address known vulnerabilities in third-party components. Additionally, monitoring and logging mechanisms should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks to prevent similar issues in future development cycles.