CVE-2009-0407 in PHP-CMS Project
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in admin/login.php in PHP-CMS Project 1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the username parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0407 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the php-cms project version 1, specifically affecting the admin/login.php component. This security weakness resides in the authentication mechanism where user input is improperly handled, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters. The vulnerability is classified as a classic sql injection attack vector that enables unauthorized execution of arbitrary sql commands on the underlying database system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the username parameter within the admin/login.php script, where input validation and sanitization measures are insufficient or completely absent. When an attacker submits malicious sql code through the username field, the application fails to properly escape or parameterize the input before incorporating it into database queries. This flaw directly maps to common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which defines sql injection as the improper handling of sql command structure in applications. The vulnerability allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms, potentially gaining administrative access to the cms system and executing unauthorized database operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple authentication bypass, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive information from the database including user credentials, administrative details, and potentially confidential content managed by the cms. The remote nature of this attack means that exploitation does not require local system access, making it particularly dangerous for web applications accessible over the internet. This vulnerability directly aligns with attack techniques described in the mitre attack framework under initial access and credential access phases, specifically targeting the credential access tactic where adversaries seek to obtain account credentials for unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0407 should prioritize immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase. The recommended approach involves implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries to ensure user input cannot alter the intended sql command structure. Additionally, comprehensive input sanitization measures must be deployed to filter and validate all user-supplied data before processing. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and authentication mechanisms including account lockout policies to prevent brute force attacks. The php-cms project should be updated to a patched version that addresses this vulnerability, as the original version 1 contains multiple security flaws that compound the risk. Security monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect suspicious sql query patterns and anomalous authentication attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities throughout the application infrastructure.