CVE-2009-0401 in E-Php CMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in browsecats.php in E-Php CMS allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2017
The CVE-2009-0401 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the E-Php CMS content management system, specifically affecting the browsecats.php script. This vulnerability exposes the application to remote code execution attacks through improper input validation mechanisms. The flaw resides in how the application processes the cid parameter, which is used to browse categories within the cms interface. When an attacker submits malicious input through this parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape the data before incorporating it into sql queries, creating an exploitable condition that allows arbitrary sql command execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper parameterized queries or input sanitization techniques. The cid parameter in browsecats.php is directly concatenated into sql statements without adequate validation or escaping, making it susceptible to malicious payload injection. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws in software applications. Attackers can exploit this by crafting specially designed payloads that manipulate the sql query structure, potentially gaining unauthorized access to database contents, executing administrative commands, or even obtaining complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-0401 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with comprehensive database access capabilities. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including user credentials, database schemas, and application configuration details. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform data manipulation operations such as inserting, updating, or deleting records within the database. Additionally, the attack surface includes potential privilege escalation opportunities, where attackers might escalate their access level to administrative privileges within the cms system. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers exploit public-facing application vulnerabilities, and T1071.004 which involves application layer protocol manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query usage throughout the E-Php CMS codebase. The primary defense mechanism involves sanitizing all user inputs, particularly the cid parameter, through proper escaping or validation routines before incorporating them into sql queries. Implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries would effectively neutralize the sql injection threat by separating sql command structure from data values. Security patches should be applied to update the browsecats.php script with proper input sanitization mechanisms, and organizations should conduct comprehensive code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other cms components. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to prevent similar issues from emerging in other application components. The remediation process should also include implementing proper access controls and database user permissions to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.