CVE-2009-2883 in SaphpLesson
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in admin/login.php in SaphpLesson 4.0, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cp_username parameter, related to an error in the CleanVar function in includes/functions.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2024
The CVE-2009-2883 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the SaphpLesson 4.0 content management system that specifically targets the administrative login functionality. This vulnerability exists within the admin/login.php script where the cp_username parameter is improperly sanitized, creating an exploitable pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious sql commands. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it leverages a fundamental security mechanism that was designed to prevent such attacks, yet fails when the server configuration disables magic_quotes_gpc. The vulnerability stems from an error in the CleanVar function located in includes/functions.php, which is responsible for sanitizing user input before processing. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, the application fails to properly escape special sql characters in user-supplied data, leaving the system exposed to malicious input manipulation. This particular weakness aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection vulnerabilities as a primary concern in web application security, and represents a classic example of improper input validation that allows attackers to bypass normal security controls. The vulnerability operates under the assumption that the application relies on magic_quotes_gpc as a primary defense mechanism, failing to implement proper input sanitization or parameterized queries as a secondary security layer.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as remote attackers can leverage the sql injection to gain unauthorized access to the administrative backend and potentially compromise the entire web application. An attacker can manipulate the cp_username parameter to inject malicious sql payloads that could extract sensitive information from the database, modify user credentials, delete content, or even escalate privileges to full administrative control. The exploitation process typically involves crafting specially formatted input that bypasses the inadequate input validation implemented in the CleanVar function, allowing the malicious sql commands to be executed within the context of the database connection. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the attack pattern taxonomy where adversaries leverage sql injection to manipulate database queries and achieve unauthorized access. The flaw is particularly insidious because it requires minimal privileges to exploit and can be automated, making it a preferred target for mass exploitation campaigns. The vulnerability affects any system running SaphpLesson 4.0 where magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, which was a common configuration in many production environments during the affected time period.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2883 must address both the immediate vulnerability and implement long-term security improvements to prevent similar issues. The most effective immediate fix involves properly implementing input sanitization within the CleanVar function or replacing it with robust parameterized query mechanisms that separate sql code from user data. Organizations should also ensure that magic_quotes_gpc is properly configured or implement additional input validation layers regardless of the php configuration settings. The recommended approach includes implementing proper sql escaping functions, using prepared statements with parameterized queries, and establishing comprehensive input validation routines that check for sql injection patterns. Security hardening should include disabling unnecessary administrative functions, implementing proper access controls, and regularly auditing application code for similar input validation flaws. This vulnerability underscores the importance of defense in depth strategies where multiple security controls work together to protect against sql injection attacks, as outlined in industry best practices for web application security. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for sql injection attempts and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include thorough code review to identify other potential injection points within the application and ensure that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before database processing.