CVE-2009-2423 in Ebay Clone
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in category.php in Ebay Clone 2009 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cate_id parameter in a list action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2423 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Ebay Clone 2009 web application, specifically affecting the category.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the cate_id parameter during list actions, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and improper parameter sanitization, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands that the application processes without adequate protection mechanisms. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in web application security where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL command construction without proper escaping or parameterization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to execute unauthorized database operations by manipulating the cate_id parameter in the list action of the category.php script. When the application processes this parameter without proper sanitization, it becomes possible for an attacker to craft malicious input that alters the intended SQL query structure. This could result in data extraction, modification, or deletion of database records, potentially compromising the entire backend data infrastructure of the e-commerce platform. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for remote code execution through database manipulation, enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive user information, transaction data, and system configuration details. The attack vector leverages the standard SQL injection techniques where malicious SQL fragments are injected into the parameter, bypassing normal input validation checks.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-2423 extends beyond immediate data compromise to encompass significant business and security implications for organizations utilizing the Ebay Clone 2009 platform. Successful exploitation could lead to complete database compromise, allowing attackers to view, modify, or delete customer records, product listings, and financial transaction data. This vulnerability directly violates several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS and T1046 for Network Service Scanning, as attackers would need to identify and exploit this specific parameter to gain access to database resources. The vulnerability also aligns with T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, representing a common attack pattern where web applications are targeted through publicly accessible interfaces. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations under standards such as PCI DSS, which mandate proper input validation and protection against SQL injection attacks, potentially resulting in financial penalties and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security architecture improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper parameterized queries or prepared statements to ensure that user input cannot alter the structure of SQL commands. Input validation and sanitization should be enforced at multiple layers, including application-level filters and database-level protections. The implementation of proper access controls and database permissions can limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security measures should include regular code reviews focusing on SQL query construction, deployment of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection patterns, and comprehensive penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in the application codebase. Additionally, organizations should establish secure coding practices that align with OWASP Top Ten guidelines and implement proper error handling that does not expose database structure information to end users. The remediation process should also include monitoring and logging of database access patterns to detect anomalous activities that may indicate exploitation attempts.