CVE-2009-0295 in Itpoll
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in Information Technology Light Poll Information (ITLPoll) 2.7 Stable 2, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-0295 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Information Technology Light Poll Information (ITLPoll) 2.7 Stable 2 web application. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php script and exploits a fundamental weakness in input validation mechanisms when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands through the id parameter, potentially compromising the entire database backend of the application. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it occurs in a polling application that likely handles user votes and demographic data, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to manipulate election results or extract sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper sanitization of user input within the application's database query construction process. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, PHP does not automatically escape special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data, leaving the application directly vulnerable to SQL injection attacks. Attackers can manipulate the id parameter to inject malicious SQL payloads that bypass normal input validation checks, allowing them to execute unauthorized database operations. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 which defines SQL injection as the insertion of malicious SQL code into queries executed by the database, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation and parameterized query usage, which are fundamental security practices that should always be implemented in database-driven web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables full database manipulation capabilities for remote attackers. Successful exploitation could allow threat actors to extract all poll data including user votes, personal information, and potentially administrative credentials stored within the database. The vulnerability also poses risks for data integrity compromise, as attackers could modify or delete poll results, potentially influencing election outcomes or manipulating public opinion. Additionally, the attack surface is particularly concerning for web applications that handle sensitive user information, as the compromise of such systems could lead to broader security incidents including lateral movement within network environments and credential harvesting. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate application but could also provide attackers with a foothold for further reconnaissance and exploitation of interconnected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0295 should focus on immediate patching of the ITLPoll application to the latest available version that addresses this vulnerability. Organizations must ensure that magic_quotes_gpc is properly configured or implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures. The recommended approach includes implementing parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection, as outlined in OWASP SQL Injection Prevention Cheat Sheet. Additionally, input validation should be implemented at multiple layers including application-level filtering, web application firewalls, and database-level access controls. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing proper access controls and database user permissions to limit the potential damage from successful attacks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and regularly updating software components to prevent known vulnerabilities from being exploited in production environments.