CVE-2009-0409 in Max.Blog
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in offline_auth.php in Max.Blog 1.0.6 and earlier, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, 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-2009-0409 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the offline_auth.php component of Max.Blog version 1.0.6 and earlier systems. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the php configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, creating an exploitable condition that enables remote attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input. The affected application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into sql command structures, fundamentally undermining the integrity of the application's database access controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices within the authentication mechanism. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, php does not automatically escape special characters in get and post data, leaving the application susceptible to malicious input injection. Attackers can exploit this by submitting a specially crafted username parameter that contains sql payload sequences, which then get directly incorporated into the database query without adequate sanitization. This flaw operates under the common weakness identified as cwe-89 sql injection, which is classified as a persistent vulnerability that allows attackers to execute unauthorized database operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary sql commands on the underlying database system. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform data manipulation, including but not limited to data retrieval, modification, deletion, and potentially gaining elevated privileges within the database. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects the authentication component, which could potentially allow attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms entirely or escalate their privileges to administrative levels. This represents a significant threat to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system's data resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures to protect against sql injection attacks. The primary remediation involves enabling proper input validation and sanitization throughout the application, specifically ensuring that all user-supplied input undergoes rigorous filtering before database processing. The most effective immediate fix is to enable magic_quotes_gpc or implement comprehensive input sanitization routines using prepared statements or parameterized queries as recommended by the owasp sql injection prevention guidelines. Additionally, application developers should implement proper error handling that does not expose database structure information to end users, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities throughout the codebase. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the mitre att&ck framework under the execution and privilege escalation categories, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the threat it presents to enterprise security postures.