CVE-2009-0405 in smartSite CMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in articles.php in smartSite CMS 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the var parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0405 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the smartSite Content Management System version 1.0, specifically affecting the articles.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the var parameter, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary SQL commands on the underlying database server. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-provided data before incorporating it into SQL query constructions.
This SQL injection vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration classification of CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses where untrusted data is directly included in SQL commands without proper sanitization. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it enables remote code execution capabilities, allowing attackers to manipulate database contents, extract sensitive information, modify or delete data, and potentially gain deeper system access. The vulnerability affects the database layer directly, bypassing application-level security controls and authentication mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it can lead to complete system takeover when combined with other exploitation techniques. Attackers can leverage this flaw to escalate privileges, access administrative functions, or establish persistent backdoors within the CMS environment. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly attractive for automated exploitation campaigns. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1046 for network service discovery, as attackers typically probe for such vulnerabilities before executing more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0405 require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, while also implementing proper output encoding and least privilege database access controls. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to a patched version of smartSite CMS, as the original version 1.0 contains multiple unaddressed security flaws. Additionally, regular security assessments, code reviews focusing on SQL query construction, and comprehensive database access logging should be implemented to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing database-level attacks that can compromise entire system infrastructures.