CVE-2009-1787 in PHP Dir Submit
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in PHP Dir Submit (aka WebsiteSubmitter and Submitter Script) allow remote attackers to bypass authentication and gain administrative access via the (1) username and (2) password parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1787 affects PHP Dir Submit, also known as WebsiteSubmitter and Submitter Script, which is a web-based directory submission system. This application is commonly used by websites to manage and submit their content to various online directories. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the authentication mechanism of the software. Attackers can exploit this flaw to manipulate the authentication process and gain unauthorized administrative access to the system.
The technical flaw manifests through SQL injection vulnerabilities in the username and password parameters used during the authentication process. When users attempt to log in to the system, the application fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL code through the login form parameters, effectively bypassing the normal authentication checks. The vulnerability is classified as a classic SQL injection attack where the attacker can manipulate the database query logic to either extract information or manipulate access controls. According to CWE standards, this represents a CWE-89: SQL Injection vulnerability, which is one of the most critical web application security weaknesses.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for any organization using the affected PHP Dir Submit software. Successful exploitation allows attackers to gain full administrative privileges, which means they can modify, delete, or steal all content within the directory submission system. This includes access to user accounts, submission data, and potentially sensitive information about the websites being submitted. The unauthorized access could lead to data breaches, content manipulation, and even serve as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190: Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries target vulnerabilities in publicly accessible web applications to gain initial access.
The implications extend beyond immediate unauthorized access as attackers can leverage this administrative control to modify the application itself, install backdoors, or manipulate the directory submission process to promote malicious websites. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on the directory submission system for business operations. The attack vector is straightforward and requires minimal technical expertise, making it attractive to a wide range of threat actors from script kiddies to organized cybercriminals. Organizations using this software should immediately implement security patches and consider additional monitoring measures to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security design.