CVE-2009-1256 in FlexCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in FlexCMS 2.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the ItemId parameter. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1256 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within FlexCMS 2.5 content management system that exposes remote attackers to potential arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability specifically targets the ItemId parameter, which serves as an entry point for malicious actors to inject malicious SQL commands into the application's database layer. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter or escape user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. According to industry standards, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89 which classifies SQL injection as a weakness where untrusted data is directly included in SQL command construction without proper sanitization. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it allows remote exploitation without requiring authentication or prior access to the system, making it a prime target for automated scanning tools and malicious actors seeking to compromise web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the FlexCMS application processes the ItemId parameter through a database query without proper parameterization or input validation. Attackers can construct malicious SQL payloads that manipulate the intended query structure, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, data modification, or even complete database compromise. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as successful exploitation can result in full system compromise, allowing attackers to escalate privileges, extract sensitive information, or modify critical application data. The lack of proper input sanitization creates a direct pathway for attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to backend database systems. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the exploitation of vulnerabilities to gain access to systems, and T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-1256 is severe and multifaceted, affecting organizations that rely on FlexCMS 2.5 for content management and web application hosting. Successful exploitation can result in data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations depending on the sensitive nature of the compromised data. Organizations may face significant financial losses due to data theft, system downtime, and potential legal consequences from compliance violations. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target affected systems from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with public-facing web applications. Security professionals must consider that this vulnerability could be actively exploited in the wild, as evidenced by the third-party information sources that contributed to its discovery. The risk assessment should include potential impact on business continuity, reputation damage, and the need for immediate remediation measures. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring and logging to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures to address successful compromises. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of input validation and parameterized queries in preventing SQL injection attacks, aligning with security best practices outlined in various industry frameworks including OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.