CVE-2009-2790 in Dating Script
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in cat_products.php in SoftBiz Dating Script allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cid parameter. NOTE: this might overlap CVE-2006-3271.4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2790 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the SoftBiz Dating Script dating platform, specifically affecting the cat_products.php component. This weakness enables remote attackers to manipulate database queries through the cid parameter, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive user data and system compromise. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's database interaction code. When the cid parameter is processed without proper escaping or parameterization, malicious SQL commands can be injected and executed within the database context, allowing attackers to extract, modify, or delete information from the underlying database system. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation and output encoding practices that are fundamental to preventing SQL injection attacks. According to the CWE classification system, this vulnerability maps to CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it requires no authentication or privileged access, making it exploitable by any remote attacker who can submit requests to the affected web application. The potential impact extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to escalate privileges within the database, execute arbitrary system commands, or even gain deeper access to the underlying server infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, affecting both the confidentiality and integrity of the dating platform's data. Attackers could potentially extract sensitive user information including personal details, contact information, and potentially login credentials stored within the database. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to complete database compromise, allowing unauthorized modification or deletion of user records, product listings, or other critical platform data. Organizations relying on this dating script would face significant reputational damage, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences from data breaches. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access points within the system, enabling long-term surveillance and data exfiltration activities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1566 for credential harvesting, as attackers could use the SQL injection to extract user credentials or manipulate database entries to bypass authentication mechanisms. The lack of proper input validation also makes the system vulnerable to additional attack vectors including blind SQL injection techniques that could be used to extract data through error-based or time-based methods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2790 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query mechanisms throughout the SoftBiz Dating Script platform. Organizations should implement strict input sanitization routines that filter or escape special characters commonly used in SQL injection attacks such as single quotes, semicolons, and comment markers. The recommended approach involves transitioning from dynamic SQL query construction to prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL code from user input data. Database access controls should be implemented to limit the privileges of the web application's database user account, ensuring that even if exploitation occurs, the attacker's capabilities are restricted. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious SQL injection attempts before they can be successfully executed. Regular security code reviews and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application's codebase, as this particular flaw likely exists in other components of the dating script. The implementation of proper error handling mechanisms is also crucial to prevent information leakage that could aid attackers in understanding the database structure and application behavior. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and logging to detect anomalous database access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. According to industry best practices and security frameworks, this vulnerability should be addressed immediately through patching or code modification, as the window of opportunity for exploitation remains open until proper security controls are implemented. The vulnerability's potential overlap with CVE-2006-3271 suggests that similar patterns may exist in other components of the SoftBiz Dating Script suite, warranting comprehensive security assessments across the entire platform.