CVE-2009-0574 in Easycafeengine
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in Easy CafeEngine allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the catid parameter, a different vector than CVE-2008-4604.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0574 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Easy CafeEngine content management system, specifically affecting the index.php script. This weakness enables remote attackers to manipulate database queries through the catid parameter, creating a pathway for unauthorized execution of arbitrary SQL commands. The vulnerability operates independently from CVE-2008-4604, indicating a distinct attack vector that requires separate remediation efforts. The flaw resides in the application's insufficient input validation mechanisms, where user-supplied data from the catid parameter is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic SQL injection attack pattern where malicious input can alter the intended flow of database operations. When an attacker submits crafted input through the catid parameter, the application fails to properly escape or validate the data before incorporating it into the SQL statement. This allows attackers to inject additional SQL syntax that can manipulate the database query structure, potentially leading to data extraction, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability specifically targets the index.php file, suggesting that the application's query building logic in this component does not adequately separate user input from executable SQL code. This type of flaw directly maps to CWE-89, which classifies SQL injection vulnerabilities as the improper inclusion of user-supplied input into SQL commands.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system's database. Attackers could potentially extract sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, or business-critical information stored in the database. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. Additionally, successful exploitation could enable attackers to modify or delete database records, potentially causing data corruption or complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft, as it could facilitate further attacks within the network infrastructure by providing attackers with database access that might reveal additional system vulnerabilities or serve as a foothold for lateral movement.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and privilege escalation. The ability to execute arbitrary SQL commands through the catid parameter represents a technique that could be categorized under the 'SQL Injection' tactic, where attackers leverage database vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to system resources. Security professionals should consider implementing input validation controls, parameterized queries, and proper output encoding as defensive measures. Organizations should also establish robust monitoring systems to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in web applications. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the vulnerable Easy CafeEngine version, implementation of web application firewalls, and comprehensive input validation across all user-facing parameters to prevent similar injection attacks from compromising system integrity.