CVE-2009-2608 in PHP Address Book
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in PHP Address Book 4.0.x allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) id parameter to delete.php or (2) alphabet parameter to index.php. NOTE: the edit.php and view.php vectors are already covered by CVE-2008-2565.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-2608 represents a critical security flaw in PHP Address Book version 4.0.x that exposes the application to remote SQL injection attacks. This vulnerability affects two distinct input vectors within the application's web interface, specifically targeting the delete.php and index.php scripts. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database layer through improperly sanitized user input, potentially enabling complete database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive address book information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the PHP Address Book application's codebase. When the application processes the id parameter in delete.php or the alphabet parameter in index.php, it fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL query constructions. This creates an environment where attackers can manipulate the SQL execution flow by injecting malicious SQL syntax through these parameters, effectively bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations relying on PHP Address Book for contact management. Remote attackers can exploit these injection points to execute unauthorized database operations including data retrieval, modification, deletion, and potentially even privilege escalation within the database system. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers might gain the ability to inject malicious code, create backdoors, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the address book application, potentially disrupting business operations while exposing confidential contact information and personal data.
The security implications of CVE-2009-2608 align with common CWE classifications related to improper input validation and SQL injection vulnerabilities. This weakness specifically maps to CWE-89 SQL Injection, which is categorized under the broader CWE-707 improper input validation. The attack vector follows typical patterns described in MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries target web applications to gain unauthorized access. Organizations using this vulnerable software face potential compliance violations under data protection regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA, depending on the nature of the contact information stored within the address book.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the PHP Address Book application to version 4.1.0 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the SQL injection flaws. System administrators should implement input validation measures including parameterized queries, prepared statements, and proper escaping of user input before database operations. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications, while implementing proper access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of validating all user inputs and maintaining up-to-date software versions to prevent exploitation of known security flaws.