CVE-2019-8923 in XAMPP
Summary
by MITRE
XAMPP through 5.6.8 and previous allows SQL injection via the cds-fpdf.php jahr parameter. NOTE: This product is discontinued.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8923 affects XAMPP versions through 5.6.8, representing a critical SQL injection flaw that exists within the cds-fpdf.php script. This issue specifically targets the jahr parameter, which serves as an entry point for malicious SQL commands. XAMPP, a popular cross-platform web server solution combining Apache, MySQL, PHP, and Perl, was widely used for local development environments and educational purposes. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the application's data handling mechanisms. The jahr parameter, likely intended to filter or sort database records by year, fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This oversight creates a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate database operations through crafted input, potentially enabling unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in application security. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems where XAMPP is deployed, particularly in environments where sensitive data might be stored or processed. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as attackers could potentially execute administrative database commands, escalate privileges, or compromise the entire database infrastructure. The fact that XAMPP is discontinued adds to the severity of this vulnerability, as organizations using this software cannot receive official security updates or patches. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries leverage application weaknesses to gain unauthorized access. The attack vector requires minimal sophistication, as the vulnerability exists in the application's public interface and can be exploited without special privileges. Organizations utilizing discontinued software face heightened risk profiles, as they lack access to security patches and ongoing support. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of insufficient input validation, where user-controllable parameters are directly incorporated into database queries without proper sanitization. This flaw represents a common pattern in legacy web applications where security considerations were not adequately addressed during development phases. The SQL injection vulnerability allows attackers to construct malicious SQL statements that can bypass authentication, extract confidential information, or manipulate database contents. Given the widespread use of XAMPP for development and testing environments, this vulnerability could potentially affect numerous systems where the software was deployed without proper security hardening measures. The remediation approach for this vulnerability involves immediate patching or replacement of the affected XAMPP installation, as no official updates are available for versions prior to 5.6.9. Security practitioners should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, while also conducting thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potential weaknesses in legacy systems. The discontinuation of XAMPP makes this vulnerability particularly concerning, as it represents an orphaned software component that continues to be used despite known security risks. Organizations should transition to supported alternatives and implement comprehensive application security measures to prevent similar vulnerabilities in current systems. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing proper input validation controls to prevent injection attacks. This case exemplifies how legacy software components can pose persistent security risks when not properly maintained or replaced with modern, secure alternatives.