CVE-2009-0121 in Goople CMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in frontpage.php in Goople CMS 1.8.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the password parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0121 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Goople CMS 1.8.2 content management system, specifically affecting the frontpage.php script. This vulnerability exposes the application to remote code execution attacks through improper input validation mechanisms. The security flaw manifests when the application fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied input passed through the password parameter, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands directly into the database query execution pipeline. Such vulnerabilities fall under the category of CWE-89 sql injection as defined by the common weakness enumeration framework, which categorizes this as a fundamental flaw in data validation and query construction processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying database server. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, modify database contents, create new user accounts with elevated privileges, or even escalate their access to the operating system level depending on the database server configuration and permissions. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local system access or physical presence to compromise the affected system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications exposed to public networks. This aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services and T1078 for valid accounts, as successful exploitation could lead to persistent access through database user accounts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to employ proper input sanitization and parameterized query construction methodologies. When the password parameter is submitted through the frontpage.php script, the application directly incorporates this user input into sql query strings without appropriate escaping or validation mechanisms. This primitive approach to input handling creates an environment where malicious sql payloads can be interpreted and executed by the database engine, bypassing all application-level security controls. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of defense-in-depth principles, where multiple layers of security should have been implemented to protect against such attacks. Organizations using Goople CMS 1.8.2 should immediately implement comprehensive patch management procedures to address this vulnerability, as the attack surface remains open for exploitation by threat actors who actively scan for known vulnerabilities in web applications. The remediation process requires not only applying the official security patches but also conducting thorough security assessments to identify any potential compromise or data exfiltration that may have occurred during the vulnerability's active period.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments in web application development. This flaw exemplifies how simple input validation errors can lead to catastrophic security breaches, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing including dynamic and static analysis tools. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust security monitoring systems to detect and respond to exploitation attempts. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and input validation controls as additional defensive measures to protect against similar sql injection vulnerabilities in their infrastructure.