CVE-2009-2128 in Elvinbts
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in close_bug.php in Elvin before 1.2.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the title (aka subject) field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2128 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Elvin bug tracking system prior to version 1.2.1. This vulnerability specifically affects the close_bug.php script which processes user input related to bug titles or subjects. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input in the title field that contains SQL command sequences designed to manipulate the underlying database operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a condition where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization. This weakness enables attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the database backend, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information, modifying or deleting records, or even escalating privileges within the database system. The attack vector is remote and authenticated, meaning that an attacker must first establish a valid session or account within the Elvin system to exploit this vulnerability effectively.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification. Successful exploitation could lead to complete database compromise, allowing attackers to extract all stored bug reports, user credentials, and potentially sensitive organizational information. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire bug tracking system, as attackers could manipulate the bug database to hide malicious activities or create false records. Additionally, the compromised system could serve as a staging ground for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2128 should prioritize immediate patching of the Elvin system to version 1.2.1 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should implement proper parameterized queries or prepared statements throughout the application to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components. Input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers including client-side and server-side processing, with all user-supplied data being properly escaped or sanitized before database insertion. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar injection flaws across all application components. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for robust input validation and the application of the principle of least privilege in web application security design.