CVE-2009-2590 in Hutscripts PHP Website Script
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in showcategory.php in Hutscripts PHP Website Script allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2017
The CVE-2009-2590 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the hutscripts php website script that specifically targets the showcategory.php component. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through the cid parameter. The vulnerability resides in the application's failure to properly escape or validate user input before incorporating it into sql statements, thereby allowing attackers to inject malicious sql code that can be executed by the database server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a crafted cid parameter value that contains sql payload commands. The application processes this input without adequate sanitization, directly embedding it into sql queries that are then executed against the backend database. This creates a direct pathway for attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data retrieval, modification, deletion, or even privilege escalation. The vulnerability is classified as a classic sql injection attack vector that can be categorized under common weakness enumeration CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations utilizing the hutscripts php website script. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information from the database including user credentials, personal data, and business-critical information. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers can modify database contents, potentially compromising the integrity of the entire website system. The remote nature of this attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the server, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle sensitive user data or business operations.
The security implications of CVE-2009-2590 align with attack techniques documented in the attack tree framework where sql injection represents a fundamental method for database compromise. This vulnerability demonstrates how insufficient input validation can create persistent security weaknesses in web applications, particularly those built using php scripting languages. Organizations affected by this vulnerability face potential regulatory compliance issues, data breach notifications, and reputational damage. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that many web applications built with similar architectures may contain identical or similar vulnerabilities, making this a widespread concern for php-based web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2590 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. The most effective approach involves using prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate sql code from user input, preventing malicious code execution. Additionally, implementing proper output encoding, input validation, and least privilege database access controls can significantly reduce the impact of such vulnerabilities. Regular security auditing, code reviews, and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues across the entire application stack, ensuring that the security controls align with established security frameworks and best practices for web application security.