CVE-2009-2895 in Ultimate Regnow Affiliate
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in rss.php in Ultimate Regnow Affiliate (URA) 3.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cat parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2024
The CVE-2009-2895 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Ultimate Regnow Affiliate 3.0 web application, specifically targeting the rss.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the cat parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious sql commands directly into the application's database query execution flow, potentially allowing full database access and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the affiliate tracking system, where the cat parameter is used to filter rss feed content based on category identifiers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices within the rss.php script. When the cat parameter is submitted through http requests, the application directly incorporates this input into sql queries without proper escaping or parameterization. This creates an exploitable condition where malicious actors can craft sql payloads that manipulate the intended query structure. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and demonstrates a classic example of unsafe sql query construction. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion, potentially compromising the entire affiliate tracking database.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-2895 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with potential persistence mechanisms and escalation capabilities within the compromised system. Remote code execution through sql injection could allow attackers to establish backdoors, modify affiliate commission structures, or manipulate tracking data to redirect traffic for financial gain. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of affiliate marketing data, potentially exposing sensitive information about affiliate relationships, commission rates, and user tracking data. Organizations utilizing this software may face significant financial losses due to manipulated tracking data and potential unauthorized transactions. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it targets the rss feed functionality, which may be accessible to public users and automated systems, amplifying the exploitation potential.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2895 should prioritize immediate input validation and parameterization of all database queries. The recommended approach involves implementing proper sql parameterization techniques using prepared statements or stored procedures to ensure that user input cannot alter sql command structure. Input sanitization should be enforced at multiple layers including application-level validation, output encoding, and web application firewall rules. Organizations should also implement the principle of least privilege for database accounts, ensuring that application database users have minimal required permissions. Regular security auditing of web applications, including automated scanning and manual penetration testing, should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. The remediation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which focuses on exploiting vulnerabilities in applications, and emphasizes the importance of secure coding practices and input validation controls. System administrators should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts and maintain audit trails for forensic analysis.