CVE-2009-0597 in w3b>cms
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in admin/index.php in w3b>cms (aka w3blabor CMS) before 3.4.0, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the benutzername parameter (aka Username field) in a login action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-0597 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the w3b>cms content management system that existed prior to version 3.4.0. This vulnerability specifically targets the administrative login functionality where user credentials are processed through the benutzername parameter in the admin/index.php file. The flaw occurs under specific server configurations where magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, creating an environment where malicious input can bypass standard sanitization mechanisms that would normally protect against sql injection attacks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands directly against the underlying database, potentially enabling full system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the authentication processing code. When the benutzername parameter is submitted through the login form, the application fails to properly escape or parameterize the input before incorporating it into sql query construction. This lack of input sanitization creates a direct path for attackers to inject malicious sql payloads that can manipulate the database queries in unintended ways. The vulnerability is classified as a classic sql injection flaw that aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands. The absence of proper input validation means that any sql metacharacters or commands entered by an attacker can be interpreted and executed by the database engine, potentially allowing for data extraction, modification, or deletion.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass significant data integrity and confidentiality risks. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain access to administrative accounts, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized modification of website content. The remote execution capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the system or network, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for web applications. This vulnerability directly aligns with several attack patterns documented in the mitre att&ck framework under the execution and privilege escalation categories, specifically targeting the credential access and persistence phases of an attack lifecycle. Organizations using affected versions of w3b>cms would be at risk of data breaches, content tampering, and potential service disruption that could impact their reputation and regulatory compliance.
The primary mitigation strategy involves upgrading to w3b>cms version 3.4.0 or later where the sql injection vulnerability has been patched. Additionally, organizations should ensure that magic_quotes_gpc is enabled on their web servers as a defensive measure, though this should not be considered a primary security control. Implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries in the application code is essential for preventing similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Security measures should include regular vulnerability assessments, input sanitization protocols, and maintaining up-to-date security patches for all web applications. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and the dangers of relying on server configuration settings as primary security controls, as outlined in industry best practices for secure coding and application security standards.