CVE-2009-2337 in Gaestebuch Guestbook Module
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in includes/module/book/index.inc.php in w3b|cms Gaestebuch Guestbook Module 3.0.0, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the spam_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2337 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the w3b|cms Gaestebuch Guestbook Module version 3.0.0. This security weakness specifically targets the includes/module/book/index.inc.php file where user input is improperly handled without adequate sanitization measures. The vulnerability manifests when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, creating an environment where malicious actors can exploit the application's failure to properly validate and escape user-supplied data. The spam_id parameter serves as the primary attack vector, allowing remote threat actors to inject malicious SQL commands directly into the application's database layer through carefully crafted input sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a persistent weakness that occurs when an application incorporates untrusted data into SQL queries without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, the application fails to automatically escape special characters in user input, leaving the system exposed to malicious SQL payload injection. Attackers can construct SQL commands within the spam_id parameter that bypass normal input validation, potentially executing unauthorized database operations including data retrieval, modification, or deletion. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious input strings that terminate existing SQL statements and append attacker-controlled commands, leveraging the absence of proper input sanitization to gain unauthorized access to backend database resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the affected system's database environment. Remote code execution capabilities may be achieved through direct database access, potentially allowing threat actors to escalate privileges and establish persistent access to the underlying infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the guestbook module's functionality, which may contain sensitive user information, comments, and potentially personal data that could be extracted or modified through unauthorized database access. Additionally, the attack surface expands to include potential data corruption, service disruption, and unauthorized modification of guestbook entries that could be used for malicious purposes including defacement or information theft.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2337 require immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures to protect against SQL injection exploitation. The primary recommendation involves enabling proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase, specifically within the index.inc.php file where the vulnerability exists. Security configurations should enforce the use of prepared statements or stored procedures that separate SQL command structure from user data, effectively preventing malicious input from being interpreted as executable SQL code. System administrators must ensure that magic_quotes_gpc is properly configured or implement alternative input sanitization measures when this setting cannot be controlled. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to monitor for suspicious SQL injection patterns and block malicious traffic attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar input handling issues within the application and across related modules, while maintaining up-to-date patch management procedures to address known vulnerabilities in third-party components and frameworks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the need for comprehensive application security hardening and continuous monitoring of exposed services.