CVE-2009-1613 in leap
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in leap.php in Leap CMS 0.1.4, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) searchterm or (2) email parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1613 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Leap CMS version 0.1.4 content management system. This vulnerability specifically affects the leap.php script and demonstrates a classic weakness in input validation and query construction that has been documented in numerous security assessments over the years. The flaw occurs when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, which removes the automatic escaping of special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data. This configuration setting, while deprecated in modern PHP versions, was commonly encountered in legacy systems and presents a significant security risk when not properly addressed through application-level defenses.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands through two primary parameters: searchterm and email. These parameters are directly incorporated into database queries without proper sanitization or parameterization, creating an environment where attackers can manipulate the SQL execution flow. The attack vector exploits the fundamental principle of SQL injection where user-controllable input is concatenated directly into SQL statements, enabling attackers to bypass authentication, extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even execute system commands depending on the database backend and permissions. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses and demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with potential access to the entire database backend that powers the Leap CMS. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, steal sensitive information such as passwords and personal data, modify content, or even escalate privileges within the application. The remote nature of the attack means that no local system access is required, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. This vulnerability also demonstrates the broader category of attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 technique for exploitation of remote services, highlighting how legacy CMS vulnerabilities continue to pose significant risks in modern threat landscapes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1613 should focus on immediate remediation through proper input validation and parameterized queries. The most effective approach involves implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries for all database interactions, which ensures that user input is treated as data rather than executable code. Additionally, organizations should ensure that magic_quotes_gpc is not relied upon as the sole defense mechanism, as this feature has been deprecated and removed in PHP 5.3.0 and later versions. The recommended long-term solution includes upgrading to a supported version of Leap CMS or migrating to a more modern CMS platform that has proper security controls built-in. Security best practices dictate that all user inputs should be validated against whitelists or sanitized through proper escaping mechanisms before being incorporated into database queries, aligning with the principle of defense in depth that is fundamental to secure software development practices.