CVE-2009-2603 in Escon SupportPortal Pro
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in index.php in Escon SupportPortal Pro 3.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) cat and (2) tid parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The CVE-2009-2603 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw in Escon SupportPortal Pro 3.0's index.php script that exposes the application to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically targets two parameter inputs named cat and tid, which are processed without adequate input validation or sanitization mechanisms. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands directly into the database query execution flow, potentially enabling complete database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates as a classic SQL injection attack vector where user-supplied parameters are directly concatenated into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization. The cat and tid parameters likely control category and thread identification respectively within the support portal's database operations, making them prime targets for exploitation. When these parameters are manipulated by an attacker, they can alter the intended SQL query structure, potentially executing commands that reveal, modify, or delete database contents. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in application input validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, extract confidential customer data, modify support ticket information, or even gain administrative control over the entire support portal infrastructure. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the system, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations relying on web-based support solutions. This type of vulnerability commonly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications.
Organizations using Escon SupportPortal Pro 3.0 should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary remediation involves input validation and parameterized queries to prevent malicious SQL code injection. All user-supplied parameters must be properly sanitized and validated before processing, with strict type checking and length limitations applied to the cat and tid parameters. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and database user permissions can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. Regular security audits and web application firewalls should be deployed to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of keeping web applications updated with the latest security patches and following secure coding practices to prevent similar issues in future development cycles.