CVE-2009-1508 in X-Forum
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the xforum_validateUser function in Common.php in X-Forum 0.6.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands, as demonstrated via the cookie_username parameter to Configure.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-1508 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the xforum 0.6.2 web application framework. This vulnerability specifically targets the xforum_validateUser function located in the Common.php file, which serves as a core authentication component for the forum system. The flaw manifests when the application processes the cookie_username parameter within the Configure.php script, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands into the backend database. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of cwe-89 sql injection as defined by the common weakness enumeration framework, where user-supplied input is improperly sanitized before being incorporated into sql queries. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it leverages cookie-based authentication mechanisms that are typically trusted by web applications, making the exploitation more subtle and difficult to detect.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain complete administrative control over the affected forum instance. Remote attackers could execute commands such as data extraction, modification, or deletion of forum content, user accounts, and sensitive configuration data stored within the database. The vulnerability's reach is amplified by the fact that it operates through the cookie_username parameter, which means that any authenticated user session could potentially be exploited without requiring additional authentication credentials. This makes the attack surface particularly wide and the potential damage significant, especially in environments where the forum contains sensitive user information or serves as a platform for confidential discussions. The vulnerability aligns with attack techniques documented in the attack pattern taxonomy under the category of sql injection attacks that target authentication mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1508 must address both the immediate code-level remediation and broader security posture improvements. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in database queries. This includes employing parameterized queries or prepared statements to ensure that user input cannot alter the intended structure of sql commands. Additionally, developers should implement proper escape sequences and input filtering mechanisms specifically for the cookie_username parameter within the Configure.php script. Security measures should also include regular code reviews focusing on database interaction points and implementation of web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious sql patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for database accounts used by the forum application, ensuring that the database user has only necessary permissions to operate the forum functionality without elevated privileges that could be exploited for more extensive damage. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all input sources, including cookies, as outlined in security best practices established by organizations such as owasp and nist.