CVE-2009-2618 in MDPro
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Surveys (aka NS-Polls) module in MDPro (MD-Pro) 1.083.x allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the pollID parameter in a results action to modules.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The CVE-2009-2618 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Surveys module of MDPro version 1.083.x, specifically affecting the NS-Polls component. This vulnerability exposes a fundamental security weakness in how user input is handled within the application's database interaction layer, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database operations. The flaw manifests when the application processes the pollID parameter through the results action in modules.php, where inadequate input validation and sanitization permits attacker-controlled SQL commands to be executed with the privileges of the database user.
This vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple cybersecurity domains, with the underlying technical flaw mapping directly to CWE-89, which defines SQL injection as the improper handling of SQL command structure in application code. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any internet-facing system. The vulnerability's exploitation occurs through the manipulation of the pollID parameter, which is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL syntax that can alter, extract, or delete database content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can result in complete database compromise, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potential system-wide infiltration. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, modify survey data, access user credentials, or even gain administrative control over the affected application. The consequences are particularly severe in environments where the application handles sensitive data such as user surveys, personal information, or business-critical data that may be stored within the same database infrastructure. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005, which describes the use of application layer protocols for command and control, as the SQL injection can be used to establish persistent access or exfiltrate data through database operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2618 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to ensure that user-supplied data cannot be interpreted as SQL commands. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of MDPro, as this vulnerability was likely addressed through proper code sanitization and input validation measures. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls, database activity monitoring, and regular security audits can provide layered protection against similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also include comprehensive code reviews focusing on database interaction patterns, input handling, and privilege management to prevent recurrence of such injection vulnerabilities. Security teams must also establish robust incident response procedures to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability's remote nature makes it particularly challenging to monitor for unauthorized access attempts.