CVE-2009-0738 in Auth Php
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in login.php in Auth Php 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) username and (2) passwd parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0738 represents a critical sql injection flaw in the Auth Php 1.0 authentication system, specifically within the login.php component. This weakness enables remote attackers to manipulate the database query execution flow by injecting malicious sql code through two primary input vectors. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The affected parameters username and passwd serve as entry points for malicious input that can fundamentally alter the intended sql command structure.
This sql injection vulnerability operates at the application layer and directly impacts the authentication mechanism of the system. When an attacker submits crafted input through the username or passwd parameters, the application processes these values without proper sanitization, allowing sql metacharacters and commands to be interpreted by the database engine. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it targets the core login functionality, potentially enabling unauthorized access to user accounts, data extraction, or even complete database compromise. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 as sql injection, which is a well-documented weakness in application security that has been consistently ranked among the top cybersecurity risks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can facilitate a wide range of malicious activities including credential theft, data manipulation, and privilege escalation. Attackers can exploit this flaw to bypass authentication entirely, extract sensitive user information from the database, or modify user permissions and access rights. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system and can exploit the vulnerability from anywhere on the network. This weakness particularly affects web applications that rely on traditional sql-based authentication systems and highlights the critical importance of proper input validation in security-critical components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0738 should focus on implementing robust input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. The most effective approach involves using prepared statements with parameterized queries, which ensure that user input is properly escaped and treated as data rather than executable code. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization, output encoding, and least privilege access controls can significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious sql injection patterns. The remediation process requires immediate patching of the affected Auth Php 1.0 system, but also necessitates broader security awareness training for developers to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future applications. This vulnerability aligns with attack techniques described in the attack pattern taxonomy under the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically within the credential access and execution phases, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls at multiple layers of the application architecture.