CVE-2009-2640 in Profile Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in cgi/admin.cgi in Interlogy Profile Manager Basic allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via a pmadm cookie in (1) an edittemp action or (2) a users action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2640 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Interlogy Profile Manager Basic web application, specifically targeting the cgi/admin.cgi script. This vulnerability exists in the handling of user authentication and administrative functions, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters before incorporating them into database queries. The flaw manifests when the application processes pmadm cookies during two distinct administrative operations: the edittemp action and the users action, creating multiple attack vectors for malicious actors seeking to exploit the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's insecure direct object reference pattern combined with inadequate input sanitization mechanisms. When an attacker crafts a malicious pmadm cookie containing specially formatted SQL commands, the application blindly incorporates these inputs into its database queries without proper escaping or parameterization. This design flaw directly maps to CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as weaknesses in software that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through untrusted input. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it occurs within administrative functions, potentially allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges or extract sensitive data from the underlying database system.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the affected system. This could result in complete database compromise, including unauthorized access to user credentials, personal information, and potentially system-level commands that could lead to further exploitation. The vulnerability affects the application's authentication and authorization mechanisms, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges or bypass access controls entirely. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers leverage web application flaws to gain unauthorized access to systems. The persistence of this vulnerability in a basic profile management system suggests that it could be exploited to maintain long-term access to the target environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2640 should focus on immediate input validation and parameterization of all database queries. Organizations must implement proper input sanitization techniques, including the use of prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. The application should also enforce proper authentication mechanisms and validate all cookie contents before processing them in administrative functions. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system. The remediation process should also include proper access control measures to limit the impact of any successful exploitation attempts, ensuring that even if an attacker gains access to administrative functions, their privileges remain restricted to prevent complete system compromise.