CVE-2009-0534 in FlexCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in FlexCMS allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the catId parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0534 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within FlexCMS, a content management system that was widely deployed in web applications during the late 2000s. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user input parameters, specifically the catId parameter which is used to manage category identifiers within the CMS architecture. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database query execution process, potentially compromising the entire backend database system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications, making it a well-documented and severe security concern within the cybersecurity community. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication or privileged access to the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the FlexCMS application fails to properly sanitize or validate the catId parameter before incorporating it into SQL database queries. When an attacker submits a maliciously crafted catId value containing SQL payload commands, the application processes this input directly within the database query without adequate input filtering or parameterization. This allows the attacker to manipulate the intended database query execution flow, potentially executing commands such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE operations on the underlying database. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the database interaction layer, where successful exploitation can lead to complete data compromise, unauthorized database access, and potential privilege escalation within the application's operational environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it can result in comprehensive system compromise and data destruction. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and business-critical information stored within the database. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or network proximity. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005, which covers database command execution through SQL injection attacks, and demonstrates how attackers can leverage such vulnerabilities to establish persistent access to target environments. Organizations running affected versions of FlexCMS face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential financial losses due to the exposure of sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0534 should focus on immediate patching of the affected FlexCMS versions, as well as implementing proper input validation and parameterized query execution throughout the application codebase. Organizations should adopt defensive programming practices that enforce strict input sanitization, implement prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection, and establish comprehensive database access controls. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potential SQL injection points within their applications, as this vulnerability often indicates broader architectural weaknesses in input handling and database interaction patterns. Compliance with industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines should be prioritized to ensure comprehensive protection against similar vulnerabilities in the future.