CVE-2009-2593 in censura
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in censura.php in Censura 1.16.04 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the itemid parameter in a details action.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2593 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the censura.php script of Censura version 1.16.04. This security weakness resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the itemid parameter when processing details actions. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter malicious sql code submitted by remote attackers. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited without requiring any authentication or privileged access, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that rely on this component for content management or database interactions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic sql injection attack vector where the itemid parameter is directly incorporated into sql query construction without proper parameterization or input sanitization. When an attacker submits malicious sql code through this parameter, the application processes the input directly within the sql statement, allowing arbitrary sql commands to be executed on the underlying database server. This flaw falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into sql queries without proper escaping or parameterization. The attack can result in complete database compromise, data exfiltration, unauthorized data modification, or even privilege escalation within the database environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to gain complete control over the affected database system. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and business-critical information stored within the database. The vulnerability also allows for data manipulation, enabling attackers to modify or delete records, potentially causing significant operational disruption. Additionally, the compromise of the database can lead to further lateral movement within the network infrastructure, as database credentials often provide access to other systems that share similar authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability directly maps to several tactics in the attack technique and classification knowledge base where attackers use sql injection to achieve initial access and maintain persistence within target environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries. Organizations should implement strict input sanitization measures that filter or escape special sql characters before processing user input. The recommended approach involves using prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate sql code from data, preventing malicious input from being interpreted as executable sql commands. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and database permissions can limit the damage from successful exploitation attempts. Security patches should be applied immediately to update Censura to versions that address this vulnerability, while also conducting thorough security assessments of other applications that may be vulnerable to similar injection flaws. Regular security testing including automated scanning and manual penetration testing should be performed to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the entire application portfolio.