CVE-2009-2354 in Groupware
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the auth_checkpass function in the login page in NullLogic Groupware 1.2.7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the username parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2354 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the NullLogic Groupware 1.2.7 authentication system. This issue specifically targets the auth_checkpass function located in the login page component, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input. The vulnerability manifests when the username parameter is processed without proper input sanitization or parameterization, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands that execute within the database context. Such a flaw fundamentally undermines the integrity of the authentication mechanism and provides attackers with elevated privileges to access sensitive user data, modify database contents, or potentially escalate their access to system-level operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows standard SQL injection attack patterns where the attacker manipulates the username parameter to inject malicious SQL code. When the auth_checkpass function processes user input, it directly incorporates the username value into SQL query construction without adequate validation or escaping mechanisms. This design flaw aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands as a primary weakness. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass authentication checks, potentially gaining unauthorized access to user accounts, extracting confidential information, or even modifying user credentials. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-2354 extends beyond simple authentication bypass, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise and unauthorized data access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract user credentials, personal information, and potentially sensitive organizational data stored within the NullLogic Groupware system. The implications include potential identity theft, unauthorized system access, data corruption, and service disruption. Organizations utilizing this software version face significant risk of data breaches and regulatory compliance violations, particularly in environments governed by standards such as pci dss or gdpr. The vulnerability also provides a foundation for further attacks, as compromised authentication credentials can be used to pivot to other systems within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized queries within the auth_checkpass function. The most effective approach involves implementing proper input sanitization techniques that prevent special SQL characters from being interpreted as command syntax. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls and input validation rules to filter malicious payloads before they reach the database layer. Additionally, implementing proper database access controls and privilege management ensures that even if exploitation occurs, the damage remains limited. The remediation process should include code review to ensure all database query parameters are properly escaped or parameterized, following secure coding practices outlined in the owasp top ten and mitre attack framework. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system, as this vulnerability represents a common pattern that may exist in other functions throughout the application codebase.