CVE-2009-2929 in cms
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in TGS Content Management 0.x allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) tgs_language_id, (2) tpl_dir, (3) referer, (4) user-agent, (5) site, (6) option, (7) db_optimization, (8) owner, (9) admin_email, (10) default_language, and (11) db_host parameters to cms/index.php; and the (12) cmd, (13) s_dir, (14) minutes, (15) s_mask, (16) test3_mp, (17) test15_file1, (18) submit, (19) brute_method, (20) ftp_server_port, (21) userfile14, (22) subj, (23) mysql_l, (24) action, and (25) userfile1 parameters to cms/frontpage_ception.php. NOTE: some of these parameters may be applicable only in nonstandard versions of the product, and cms/frontpage_ception.php may be cms/frontpage_caption.php in all released versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2929 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting TGS Content Management version 0.x, specifically targeting the cms/index.php and cms/frontpage_ception.php scripts. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's parameter handling mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database layer through multiple entry points. The affected parameters span across various data types and usage contexts, including language identifiers, template directories, HTTP headers, site configuration options, and database connection parameters, creating an extensive attack surface that significantly amplifies the exploitation potential.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. Attackers can exploit these eleven parameters in the index.php file including tgs_language_id, tpl_dir, referer, user-agent, site, option, db_optimization, owner, admin_email, default_language, and db_host, while the frontpage_ception.php script presents an additional fifteen attack vectors through cmd, s_dir, minutes, s_mask, test3_mp, test15_file1, submit, brute_method, ftp_server_port, userfile14, subj, mysql_l, action, and userfile1 parameters. The vulnerability operates by directly incorporating user-supplied input into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization, enabling attackers to manipulate database operations and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable complete database compromise and potentially full system control. Remote attackers can leverage these injection points to execute unauthorized database commands, extract confidential information including user credentials, modify database content, or even escalate privileges within the application environment. The presence of HTTP header parameters such as referer and user-agent as vulnerable inputs demonstrates the application's failure to properly sanitize all user-controllable data, including elements typically considered less critical in traditional security assessments. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that rely on dynamic SQL construction and lack proper input validation mechanisms, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools and manual attack vectors.
Security mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. The recommended approach involves using prepared statements with parameterized queries for all database interactions, implementing proper input sanitization for all user-controllable parameters, and conducting comprehensive input validation at multiple layers of the application architecture. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection patterns, conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities, and ensure all applications follow secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper input handling in web applications and demonstrates how seemingly minor oversights in parameter validation can create significant security risks across multiple application components.