CVE-2002-0536 in phpGroupWare
Summary
by MITRE
PHPGroupware 0.9.12 and earlier, when running with the magic_quotes_gpc feature disabled, allows remote attackers to compromise the database via a SQL injection attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0536 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting PHPGroupware versions 0.9.12 and earlier when the magic_quotes_gpc feature is disabled. This vulnerability resides in the web application's handling of user input parameters that are directly incorporated into database queries without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms. The flaw specifically manifests when the magic_quotes_gpc setting is turned off, which removes the automatic escaping of single quotes, double quotes, and backslashes in GET, POST, and COOKIE data. This configuration leaves applications vulnerable to malicious input manipulation that can be exploited to execute unauthorized database commands.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted input that contains SQL metacharacters and commands. When PHPGroupware processes user-supplied parameters in database queries, the absence of proper input validation and sanitization allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the query execution flow. This injection can occur in various application components including login forms, search functions, or any parameter that gets directly passed to database operations. The vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and it aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services through SQL injection attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, potentially allowing remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to the underlying database system. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive data including user credentials, personal information, and business data. Additionally, attackers might be able to modify or delete database records, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects not just individual user data but could also provide access to administrative functions and system configurations within the PHPGroupware environment. The risk is particularly elevated in environments where database users have extensive privileges, as attackers could potentially escalate their access to perform more destructive operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures. The primary recommendation involves enabling the magic_quotes_gpc feature or implementing comprehensive input validation and sanitization at the application level. Organizations should ensure that all user inputs are properly escaped or parameterized before being incorporated into database queries. Additionally, implementing proper database access controls and privilege management can limit the damage from successful attacks. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to PHPGroupware installations, while deprecated versions should be migrated to supported releases. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper security configuration in web applications, highlighting that even seemingly minor configuration settings can have significant security implications.