CVE-2009-3125 in Bugzilla
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Bug.search WebService function in Bugzilla 3.3.2 through 3.4.1, and 3.5, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3125 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Bugzilla's WebService functionality, specifically affecting versions 3.3.2 through 3.4.1 and 3.5. This vulnerability resides in the Bug.search WebService function which serves as a critical interface for querying bug data within the Bugzilla bug tracking system. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands through unspecified parameters, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure. The vulnerability's severity stems from its ability to allow unauthorized execution of arbitrary SQL commands, which could lead to complete database compromise, data exfiltration, or unauthorized access to sensitive information. The affected versions of Bugzilla were widely deployed across organizations relying on web-based bug tracking systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could impact numerous installations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic SQL injection vector where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized or parameterized before being incorporated into SQL queries. The Bug.search WebService function likely accepts various parameters that are directly concatenated into SQL statements without adequate input validation or prepared statement usage. This flaw aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is used in SQL commands. The unspecified parameters mentioned in the description suggest that multiple input vectors could be exploited, potentially including search terms, filter criteria, or other query parameters that the WebService function processes. Attackers could craft malicious inputs that manipulate the SQL execution flow, potentially allowing them to bypass authentication, extract sensitive data, modify database records, or even execute system commands if the underlying database system permits such operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-3125 extends far beyond simple data compromise, as Bugzilla systems typically store sensitive information including bug reports, user credentials, project details, and potentially confidential business data. Organizations using affected Bugzilla versions could face significant security breaches where attackers gain unauthorized access to entire bug tracking databases, potentially exposing intellectual property, security vulnerabilities, or internal project information. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require local system access or physical presence to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with public-facing Bugzilla installations. The vulnerability also represents a potential entry point for further attacks, as compromised Bugzilla systems often serve as staging grounds for broader network infiltration. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1071.005 (Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols), demonstrating how attackers can leverage web service vulnerabilities to achieve their objectives.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3125 should focus on immediate patching of affected Bugzilla versions, as the vulnerability was resolved in subsequent releases through proper input sanitization and parameterized query implementation. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to Bugzilla WebServices, particularly restricting access to only trusted IP addresses and implementing proper authentication mechanisms. Input validation should be enhanced to reject potentially malicious characters and patterns, while the use of prepared statements or parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application code. Security monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual query patterns or attempts to exploit the WebService function. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious SQL injection attempts and regularly audit their Bugzilla configurations to ensure proper access controls are in place. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive data through web service interfaces.