CVE-2009-1810 in myColex
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in myColex 1.4.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) the formUser parameter (aka the Name field) to common/login.php, and allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the ID parameter in a Detail action to (2) kategorie.php, (3) medium.php, (4) person.php, or (5) schlagwort.php in modules/, related to classes/class.perform.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-1810 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting myColex 1.4.2, a content management system that suffered from multiple attack vectors allowing unauthorized execution of arbitrary SQL commands. This vulnerability class falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate database queries through user input fields, potentially leading to complete database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The primary attack vector involves the formUser parameter within the common/login.php script, where the Name field serves as an entry point for malicious SQL payloads. This unauthenticated SQL injection vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and execute arbitrary database commands without proper authorization. The secondary vulnerability targets authenticated users through the ID parameter in various PHP files including kategorie.php, medium.php, person.php, and schlagwort.php, all of which are located in the modules/ directory and utilize classes/class.perform.php for processing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate database contents, extract confidential information, and potentially escalate privileges within the application. The attack surface is broad due to the multiple entry points available across different modules, making the system particularly vulnerable to comprehensive exploitation. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries leverage application weaknesses to gain unauthorized access and execute malicious commands.
The technical implementation of these SQL injection flaws demonstrates poor input validation and inadequate parameter sanitization practices within the application's codebase. The vulnerability exists because user-supplied input is directly concatenated into SQL query strings without proper escaping or parameterization, creating an environment where malicious SQL code can be interpreted and executed by the database engine. This weakness is particularly dangerous in web applications where user input is routinely processed without sufficient security controls, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools and manual attack techniques.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate implementation of parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection, comprehensive input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied data, and regular security code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and authentication mechanisms, along with network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top 10 and other industry security standards to prevent such critical flaws from being introduced into production applications.