CVE-2009-2402 in PHPEcho CMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in the forum module in PHPEcho CMS 2.0-rc3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter in a thread action, a different vector than CVE-2008-0355.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2402 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the forum module of PHPEcho CMS version 2.0-rc3. This security weakness specifically targets the index.php file and manifests when the id parameter is manipulated during thread actions. The vulnerability operates through a distinct attack vector compared to the previously identified CVE-2008-0355, indicating that attackers can exploit this flaw to execute unauthorized SQL commands remotely without requiring authentication. The affected component resides within the forum module's handling of thread-related operations, where user-supplied input is inadequately validated or sanitized before being incorporated into database queries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the application's codebase. When a user performs a thread action through the forum module, the application accepts the id parameter directly from the HTTP request without proper sanitization or parameterization. This allows malicious actors to inject specially crafted SQL payloads that bypass normal query execution boundaries. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses, where insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data leads to unauthorized database access. Attackers can leverage this flaw to manipulate database contents, extract sensitive information, modify or delete records, and potentially escalate privileges within the application's database layer.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-2402 extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables comprehensive database compromise and potential system infiltration. Remote attackers can execute arbitrary SQL commands that may allow them to access administrative credentials, user personal information, forum posts, and other sensitive data stored within the CMS database. The vulnerability's exposure through the forum module means that any active user can potentially exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the forum is publicly accessible. This flaw can lead to complete database compromise, data exfiltration, and potentially serve as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The attack vector's distinct nature from CVE-2008-0355 suggests that defenders must implement comprehensive input validation across all application modules rather than focusing solely on previously identified vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query execution. Organizations should apply the official security patch released by PHPEcho CMS developers to address this specific flaw. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with SQL injection detection capabilities provides an additional layer of protection. The recommended defensive measures align with ATT&CK technique T1190 which focuses on exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. Security professionals should also conduct thorough code reviews to identify similar input validation weaknesses throughout the application, particularly in areas where user input is processed within database queries. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to detect potential variants of this attack pattern. Database access controls should be reviewed to ensure that application accounts have minimal required privileges, thereby limiting potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in legitimate functionality while effectively blocking the SQL injection attack vector.