CVE-2009-1065 in Pixie CMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in Pixie CMS 1.01a allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the x parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1065 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Pixie CMS 1.01a content management system. This vulnerability specifically affects the index.php script and exploits an insecure input handling mechanism through the x parameter. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands directly into the application's database layer, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-89 which defines SQL injection as the insertion of malicious SQL code into input fields for execution by the database engine. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of injection flaws that represent one of the most prevalent and dangerous security weaknesses in web applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing SQL syntax and submits it through the x parameter in the index.php script. The application fails to properly sanitize or validate this input before incorporating it into database queries, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the underlying database operations. This allows for unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, as well as potential privilege escalation within the database system. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet. The attack vector follows the typical pattern described in the ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploitation of remote services, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Organizations using Pixie CMS 1.01a would face potential data breaches, loss of confidential information, and possible regulatory violations depending on the nature of the data stored in the affected database. The vulnerability's exploitation could result in denial of service conditions if attackers choose to corrupt database structures or consume excessive resources. Furthermore, the compromised system could serve as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure, as database credentials and system information could be extracted to facilitate lateral movement. The lack of verified information sources regarding this vulnerability's origin makes it particularly concerning for security professionals attempting to assess risk and implement appropriate countermeasures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1065 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Pixie CMS version, as the vulnerability has been identified and documented in security databases. Organizations should implement input validation and parameterized queries to prevent similar issues in other applications, following the principle of least privilege for database connections. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that no other injection vulnerabilities exist within the application stack. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in application functionality, and that all input handling mechanisms properly sanitize user data before database interaction. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and conducting regular security training for developers can help prevent similar injection vulnerabilities from being introduced in future software development cycles.