CVE-2009-0458 in Ware Support
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in admin/login_submit.php in Whole Hog Ware Support 1.x allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) the uid parameter (aka Username field) or (2) the pwd parameter (aka Password field). NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0458 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Whole Hog Ware Support 1.x administrative login component. This vulnerability exists in the admin/login_submit.php script where user input is improperly handled, creating an avenue for remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database through crafted input parameters. The flaw specifically affects the uid parameter, which corresponds to the Username field, and the pwd parameter, which maps to the Password field, both of which are susceptible to malicious input manipulation.
This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which classifies SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in software design that occurs when user-supplied data is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. The attack vector leverages the lack of input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the authentication process, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code that gets executed by the database server. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require local system access or physical presence to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the affected database. This could enable unauthorized users to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations. Attackers might also be able to modify or delete database records, potentially leading to complete system compromise or data destruction. The authentication bypass capability inherent in SQL injection attacks means that successful exploitation could grant attackers full administrative privileges within the application, effectively undermining the entire security model of the support system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate code-level fixes and broader architectural security improvements. The primary remediation involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application, specifically within the login_submit.php script. All user-supplied input should be sanitized and validated before being incorporated into database queries, with strict type checking and length limitations applied to prevent malicious payloads from being executed. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and database permissions can limit the damage from successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in legacy applications, as many of these issues persist in older software versions due to inadequate patch management processes. This case study demonstrates the critical need for input sanitization and the potential for widespread damage when authentication mechanisms are compromised through SQL injection vulnerabilities.