CVE-2009-0429 in Active Bids
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Active Bids allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) search parameter to search.asp, (2) SortDir parameter to auctionsended.asp, and the (3) catid parameter to wishlist.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0429 represents a critical security flaw in the Active Bids online auction platform that exposes multiple pathways for remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, which is a well-documented and highly dangerous class of vulnerability that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through unvalidated input. The specific implementation of Active Bids fails to properly sanitize user input across three distinct web pages, creating three separate attack vectors that collectively represent a comprehensive SQL injection threat landscape.
The technical exploitation occurs through three distinct parameters that are processed without adequate input validation or sanitization. The first attack vector involves the search parameter in search.asp, where user-supplied search terms are directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization. The second vector targets the SortDir parameter in auctionsended.asp, which allows attackers to manipulate sorting directions in database queries, while the third vector operates through the catid parameter in wishlist.php, where category identifiers are processed without sufficient validation. These vulnerabilities collectively demonstrate a systemic lack of input sanitization practices throughout the application's data handling mechanisms.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability provides attackers with extensive database access capabilities that can result in complete system compromise. Successful exploitation enables attackers to retrieve sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, auction details, and potentially administrative access to the platform. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers can modify database content, delete records, and in some cases execute system commands on the underlying database server. The remote nature of these vulnerabilities means that attackers do not require physical access to the system and can exploit these flaws from anywhere on the internet.
The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these vulnerabilities affect core functionality of an auction platform where user trust and data security are paramount. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1190 technique of Exploit Public-Facing Application, which specifically addresses attacks targeting web applications. Organizations utilizing Active Bids would face significant regulatory and compliance implications, particularly if personal data or financial information is compromised. The vulnerability demonstrates poor application security practices including the absence of prepared statements, parameterized queries, and proper input validation mechanisms that are fundamental security controls recommended by OWASP and other industry security standards.
Mitigation strategies must address the immediate vulnerability through proper input validation and parameterized query implementation across all affected pages. The most effective remediation involves implementing proper input sanitization techniques, including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries to separate SQL code from data. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, conduct comprehensive code reviews to identify similar patterns, and establish secure coding practices that prevent such vulnerabilities from recurring. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that all application components properly handle user input and maintain database integrity.