CVE-2009-2388 in Opial
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in admin/index.php in Opial 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the txtPassword parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2388 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Opial 1.0 content management system, specifically affecting the administrative interface. This vulnerability exists in the admin/index.php file where user input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. The txtPassword parameter serves as the primary attack vector, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands that can be executed within the database context. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices, creating an environment where attacker-controlled data can directly influence SQL query execution flows. Such flaws typically arise when developers assume that all user input is trustworthy and fail to implement proper parameterized queries or input filtering mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables remote attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to administrative functions. When the txtPassword parameter receives malicious input containing SQL injection payloads, the application processes these inputs without adequate validation, leading to potential database compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from the database, modify administrative credentials, or even escalate privileges within the system. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers can manipulate the entire administrative interface to conduct further malicious activities. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws and represents a fundamental weakness in input handling and query construction processes. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system and can target the application from external networks, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-2388 poses significant risks to organizations utilizing Opial 1.0 systems, particularly those handling sensitive data or requiring administrative control over content management. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, data loss, unauthorized modifications, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution risk means that attackers can potentially establish persistent access to the system, turning it into a foothold for broader network infiltration. Organizations may face reputational damage, financial losses, and legal consequences if data breaches occur as a result of this vulnerability. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects the administrative interface, which typically contains the most sensitive system controls and data access points. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers exploitation of remote services and T1078 which addresses valid accounts usage, as attackers can leverage the compromised administrative access to maintain persistent presence within target environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2388 require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized query approaches to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization measures that filter or escape special characters commonly used in SQL injection payloads, including single quotes, semicolons, and comment markers. The most effective remediation involves transitioning to parameterized queries or prepared statements that separate SQL code from user input, ensuring that malicious payloads cannot be executed as part of database commands. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and authentication mechanisms can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious database access patterns and SQL injection attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block common SQL injection attack patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, emphasizing that all user-supplied data must be treated as potentially malicious until properly validated and sanitized through established security protocols.