CVE-2009-1818 in MaxCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in admin/admin_manager.asp in MaxCMS 2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via an m_username cookie in an add action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-1818 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the MaxCMS 2.0 content management system that exposes administrative functions to remote exploitation. This vulnerability specifically targets the admin/admin_manager.asp component which handles user management operations, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise the administrative interface of affected systems. The flaw manifests when the application processes the m_username parameter through a cookie named m_username during an add action operation, creating an attack vector that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands directly into the database layer.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the administrative management interface. When the application receives the m_username cookie value during the add action, it directly incorporates this user-supplied data into sql query construction without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms. This primitive handling of user input creates a direct pathway for sql injection attacks where attackers can manipulate the sql execution flow by crafting malicious cookie values that contain sql payload commands. The vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws in applications that fail to properly sanitize or parameterize user inputs before incorporating them into database queries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it provides attackers with full administrative control over the compromised MaxCMS installation. Successful exploitation enables unauthorized users to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database, potentially leading to complete system compromise including data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and persistent backdoor installation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to enumerate database schemas, extract sensitive information such as user credentials, modify content, or even gain shell access to the underlying server through database exploitation techniques. The remote nature of this attack means that threat actors can exploit the vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
Organizations utilizing MaxCMS 2.0 should immediately implement comprehensive mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and proper cookie handling mechanisms to address this vulnerability. The recommended approach involves implementing strict input validation for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in administrative functions, and ensuring that all database interactions utilize parameterized queries or stored procedures that separate sql code from data. Additionally, implementing proper cookie security measures including secure flags and http-only attributes can help reduce the attack surface. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the attack pattern taxonomy where adversaries leverage weak input validation to achieve unauthorized access and privilege escalation within web applications. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious sql injection patterns and cookie manipulation attempts that could indicate exploitation attempts against this specific vulnerability.