CVE-2018-6928 in News Website Script
Summary
by MITRE
PHP Scripts Mall News Website Script 2.0.4 has SQL Injection via a search term.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6928 affects PHP Scripts Mall News Website Script version 2.0.4 and represents a critical SQL injection flaw that can be exploited through search functionality. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The vulnerability exists when user-supplied search terms are not properly sanitized or parameterized before being incorporated into database queries, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the news website script processes search queries without adequate input validation or parameter binding mechanisms. Attackers can construct malicious SQL payloads within the search term field that, when executed, allow them to extract, modify, or delete database contents. The flaw typically manifests when the application concatenates user input directly into SQL query strings rather than utilizing prepared statements or parameterized queries. This primitive approach to database interaction creates a direct pathway for attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands that bypass normal authentication and authorization controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with comprehensive database access capabilities. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise, allowing unauthorized users to view sensitive information, modify content, or even escalate privileges within the application environment. The news website script's search functionality becomes a vector for privilege escalation attacks, potentially enabling attackers to gain administrative control over the entire platform. This risk is compounded by the fact that search operations are frequently used and often require minimal authentication, making the attack surface particularly broad.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-6928 must focus on implementing proper input sanitization and parameterized query execution throughout the application codebase. The most effective approach involves replacing direct string concatenation with prepared statements or parameterized queries, ensuring that user input is never directly embedded into SQL commands. Additionally, implementing proper input validation, output encoding, and least privilege access controls can significantly reduce the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious search patterns that may indicate attempted exploitation. The remediation process should include thorough code review and security testing to ensure all database interaction points are properly secured against similar injection attacks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in preventing database compromise scenarios.