CVE-2009-2234 in Call Center Suite
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in admin.php in VICIDIAL Call Center Suite 2.0.5-173 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) Username parameter ($PHP_AUTH_USER) and (2) Password parameter ($PHP_AUTH_PW).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The CVE-2009-2234 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the VICIDIAL Call Center Suite version 2.0.5-173, where multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities exist within the admin.php administrative interface. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, specifically targeting the authentication mechanism of the system. The flaw affects the Username parameter represented as $PHP_AUTH_USER and the Password parameter represented as $PHP_AUTH_PW, which are processed without proper sanitization measures. This vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in applications. The vulnerability exists in the administrative authentication flow where user credentials are directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper parameterization or input filtering.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers provide malicious input through the authentication parameters, allowing them to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the backend database. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it targets the authentication mechanism itself, potentially enabling attackers to bypass authentication entirely or gain unauthorized access to administrative functions. When attackers manipulate the $PHP_AUTH_USER and $PHP_AUTH_PW parameters, they can construct SQL queries that execute unintended database operations, potentially leading to data extraction, modification, or deletion. The lack of proper input validation means that attackers can inject SQL syntax directly into the authentication flow, exploiting the system's trust in user-provided credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data breaches within call center environments. Organizations using VICIDIAL may face significant risks including exposure of sensitive customer data, unauthorized modification of call center configurations, and potential denial of service conditions. The vulnerability affects the core administrative functionality of the system, making it particularly attractive to attackers seeking persistent access to critical communication infrastructure. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, access confidential call data, modify user accounts, or even execute commands on the underlying database server. This type of vulnerability is especially concerning in regulated environments where call center data may contain personally identifiable information and must comply with various data protection standards.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2234 should focus on immediate patch application and implementation of proper input validation measures. Organizations must ensure they have updated to a patched version of VICIDIAL that addresses these SQL injection vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing proper parameterized queries and input sanitization techniques would prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of administrative interfaces to trusted networks only. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify potential injection points within applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to OWASP Top 10 guidelines for preventing injection flaws, particularly in authentication mechanisms where user input directly influences database operations. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain detailed audit logs of authentication activities.