CVE-2009-0739 in MyNews
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in login.php in MyNews 0.10 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-2009-0739 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the MyNews 0.10 content management system, specifically affecting the login.php script. This vulnerability resides in the authentication mechanism where user credentials are processed, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters. The flaw impacts both the username and password fields, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code that bypasses normal authentication procedures and potentially gains unauthorized access to the system's backend database.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameter sanitization within the login.php script. When users submit their credentials through the login form, the application fails to properly escape or filter special characters in the username and passwd parameters before incorporating them into SQL queries. This absence of proper input sanitization creates a direct injection vector where attackers can craft malicious inputs that alter the intended SQL command structure. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications, and represents a classic example of how insufficient data validation can lead to database compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple authentication bypass, as successful exploitation can enable attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database. This capability allows adversaries to extract sensitive information including user credentials, database schema details, and potentially access to the entire database contents. The vulnerability also provides opportunities for data manipulation, deletion, or unauthorized modifications to the news management system, potentially compromising the integrity and availability of the published content. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, create backdoor accounts, or even gain shell access to the underlying server if database access permits such operations.
Organizations utilizing MyNews 0.10 should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. The recommended approach involves implementing proper input sanitization techniques that escape or filter special characters in user-supplied data before database processing. Additionally, employing prepared statements or parameterized queries ensures that user input cannot alter the structure of SQL commands. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns, while conducting regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The remediation efforts should align with industry best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for secure coding practices, specifically addressing the prevention of SQL injection vulnerabilities through proper input validation and secure database interaction methods.