CVE-2009-0299 in GLinks
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in Groone GLinks 2.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cat parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0299 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Groone GLinks 2.1 web application, specifically affecting the index.php script. This vulnerability exposes the application to remote code execution attacks through manipulation of the cat parameter, which serves as an entry point for malicious SQL commands. The flaw resides in the application's improper handling of user input, where the cat parameter is directly incorporated into SQL queries without adequate sanitization or parameterization measures. This weakness allows attackers to inject malicious SQL syntax that can alter the intended query execution flow, potentially enabling full database access and manipulation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a direct consequence of insufficient input validation and improper query construction. The attack vector operates through remote exploitation, requiring no authentication or privileged access to the target system. When an attacker submits malicious input through the cat parameter, the vulnerable application processes this data without proper sanitization, allowing SQL commands to be executed with the privileges of the database user account. This creates a pathway for attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the database environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive user information. Attackers can leverage this flaw to bypass authentication mechanisms, gain administrative control over the database, and potentially use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of all data stored within the GLinks 2.1 application, including user credentials, personal information, and application configuration details. Organizations relying on this outdated software face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0299 should prioritize immediate remediation through software updates or patches provided by the vendor, although the age of this vulnerability suggests that official support may no longer be available. The recommended approach involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in applications. Organizations should also deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, implement database access controls to limit privilege escalation, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unusual database access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, ensuring comprehensive protection against this and related threats.