CVE-2009-2209 in RS-CMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in rscms_mod_newsview.php in RS-CMS 2.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the key parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2209 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the RS-CMS 2.1 content management system, specifically affecting the rscms_mod_newsview.php module. This weakness resides in the improper handling of user input through the key parameter, which fails to implement adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms before incorporating the data into SQL query constructions. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-89, which defines SQL injection as the insertion of malicious SQL code into input fields for execution by the database engine, and falls under the broader category of CWE-20, representing weakness in input validation. The attack vector is remote, meaning that malicious actors can exploit this flaw without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in web-facing applications where the CMS is deployed.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the key parameter in the rscms_mod_newsview.php script. The CMS fails to properly escape or parameterize this input before including it in database queries, allowing attackers to manipulate the SQL execution flow. This enables unauthorized individuals to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database, potentially leading to complete database compromise, data exfiltration, or even system takeover. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper input sanitization and output encoding practices that are fundamental to preventing injection attacks. According to ATT&CK framework domain ST05.001, this represents a technique for command and control through database manipulation, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to gain deeper access to backend systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-2209 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise and persistent access for attackers. Organizations running RS-CMS 2.1 are vulnerable to unauthorized data access, data modification, and potential denial of service conditions. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate CMS functionality but can also serve as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure, particularly if the database server shares resources with other critical systems. Database administrators and security teams must recognize that this vulnerability allows for privilege escalation and lateral movement within network environments where database credentials might be improperly configured or shared. The lack of proper input validation creates a pathway for attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain administrative access to database content, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 related to valid accounts and T1046 related to network service scanning.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the RS-CMS 2.1 installation to address the SQL injection flaw in the rscms_mod_newsview.php module. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout their applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring. The principle of least privilege should be enforced when configuring database connections, ensuring that CMS applications use accounts with minimal required permissions. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual database query patterns and unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of regular security assessments and code reviews to identify and remediate injection vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous SQL execution patterns indicative of exploitation attempts.