CVE-2009-3119 in Download System mSF
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in screen.php in the Download System mSF (dsmsf) module for PHP-Fusion allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the view_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2025
The CVE-2009-3119 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Download System mSF module for PHP-Fusion, specifically affecting the screen.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user input through the view_id parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands directly into the database query execution flow, potentially compromising the entire underlying database system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it allows unauthorized users to execute arbitrary SQL commands, which could lead to complete database compromise, data exfiltration, or unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the application's database.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices within the PHP-Fusion module. When the view_id parameter is passed to screen.php, the application fails to properly escape or filter special characters that could alter the intended SQL query structure. This lack of input sanitization creates a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate database queries through malicious input strings that contain SQL payload commands. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where user-controllable data is incorporated into SQL queries without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication or privileged access, making it exploitable by any remote attacker who can submit requests to the vulnerable application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with comprehensive database access capabilities that can be leveraged for various malicious activities. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise, allowing attackers to read, modify, or delete sensitive data including user credentials, personal information, and application configuration details. The vulnerability also poses significant risks to the application's integrity and availability, as attackers could potentially inject malicious code or perform destructive operations against the database infrastructure. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability aspects of the CIA triad, making it a critical concern for any organization relying on PHP-Fusion systems with the affected module installed. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target the system from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or local network presence.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3119 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected PHP-Fusion module, as the vulnerability has been well-documented and remediated through official updates. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout their applications, ensuring that all user-supplied data undergoes rigorous filtering before being incorporated into database queries. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries should be enforced to prevent SQL injection attacks, as these techniques separate SQL command structure from data values. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scans to identify similar issues within their application portfolios, as this vulnerability represents a common class of flaws that can affect many web applications. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts, while application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against SQL injection attacks. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1190 highlights the importance of implementing comprehensive application security measures that address both the immediate threat and broader attack surface considerations.