CVE-2009-2097 in Zoki Catalog
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in system/application/controllers/catalog.php in Zoki Soft Zoki Catalog (aka Smart Catalog) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the search_text parameter. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2097 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Zoki Soft Zoki Catalog application, specifically targeting the system/application/controllers/catalog.php file. This web application, also known as Smart Catalog, suffers from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The vulnerability manifests through the search_text parameter which is directly processed without adequate sanitization or parameterization, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes sql injection as a weakness where untrusted data is embedded into sql commands without proper escaping or parameterization. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious input strings that contain sql commands within the search_text parameter, effectively bypassing normal application security controls. When the application processes these inputs, the injected sql code gets executed within the database context, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even execute administrative commands on the database server itself.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with substantial access privileges within the application's database environment. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness without requiring local system access or prior authentication, making the attack surface particularly concerning for web applications. Successful exploitation could lead to complete database compromise, unauthorized data modification, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within network environments where the application resides. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the catalog system, potentially rendering the entire application unusable or compromising all catalog data integrity.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase. The recommended approach involves adopting prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate sql command structure from data values, ensuring that user inputs are treated as literal data rather than executable code. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization routines, employing web application firewalls, and conducting regular security code reviews can significantly reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls for database connections and regularly updating the application to address known security flaws. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, emphasizing the importance of securing web applications and the potential for automated exploitation of such flaws in publicly accessible systems.