CVE-2009-2926 in PHP Competition System
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in PHP Competition System BETA 0.84 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) day parameter to show_matchs.php and (2) pageno parameter to persons.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2926 represents a critical security flaw in the PHP Competition System BETA 0.84 and earlier versions, exposing the application to remote SQL injection attacks. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the web application's database interaction layers. The flaw specifically affects two distinct parameters within different script files, creating multiple attack vectors that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized access to the underlying database infrastructure. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which represents SQL injection flaws, a well-documented and highly dangerous category of security vulnerabilities that have been consistently ranked among the top ten web application security risks by OWASP.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of user-supplied input in two separate PHP scripts. The first vector involves the day parameter in show_matchs.php, while the second vector targets the pageno parameter in persons.php. Both parameters are directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code that executes with the privileges of the database user account. This design flaw enables attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input, potentially leading to data disclosure, modification, or complete database compromise. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which describes application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting web application interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the affected system. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to sensitive competition data, including participant information, match results, and other confidential records. Attackers may also leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, create backdoors, or perform data destruction operations. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for online applications. Organizations running affected versions of the PHP Competition System face significant risk of data breaches and potential regulatory violations, especially if the system contains personally identifiable information or other sensitive data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2926 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to a patched version of the PHP Competition System, as the vendor has likely released security updates addressing these vulnerabilities. In the interim, implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries in the affected scripts would prevent exploitation. Database access controls should be reviewed to ensure that web application accounts have minimal required privileges, following the principle of least privilege. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their web applications, particularly focusing on input validation mechanisms and database interaction patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and parameterized queries, which are fundamental security practices recommended by both CWE guidelines and NIST cybersecurity frameworks for preventing SQL injection attacks.