CVE-2009-3255 in RASH
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in RASH Quote Management System (RQMS) 1.2.2 and earlier, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the user parameter in an admin action to the default URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2019
The CVE-2009-3255 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the RASH Quote Management System version 1.2.2 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically targets the administrative functionality of the system where user input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into sql queries. The flaw occurs when the php configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, which removes the automatic escaping of special characters that would normally protect against injection attacks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands through the user parameter in administrative actions accessed via the default uri. This creates a severe privilege escalation scenario where attackers can gain unauthorized access to the underlying database and potentially compromise the entire system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a standard sql injection pattern where malicious input is crafted to manipulate the sql query structure. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, user-supplied data flows directly into sql statements without proper sanitization, enabling attackers to inject sql code that can alter database operations. The attack vector specifically targets the admin action functionality, which typically requires elevated privileges and provides access to sensitive data operations. The user parameter becomes the primary injection point where malicious payloads can be constructed to bypass authentication, extract data, modify records, or even execute system commands depending on the database backend and permissions. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 sql injection, which is classified as a high severity weakness in the CWE dictionary and is consistently ranked among the top ten web application security risks.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-3255 extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with complete database access and potential system compromise. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized data modification, complete database disclosure, and in some cases privilege escalation to system-level access. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or local credentials. Organizations running affected versions of RQMS face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access through database backdoors or to use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3255 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most direct solution involves upgrading to a patched version of RASH Quote Management System that properly sanitizes user input and implements parameterized queries. Organizations should also ensure that magic_quotes_gpc is properly configured, though this should not be relied upon as the sole defense mechanism. Implementing proper input validation, output encoding, and using prepared statements or parameterized queries are essential defensive measures that align with industry best practices. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual sql patterns and unauthorized administrative access attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions to provide additional layers of protection. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of defense in depth strategies and proper input validation practices, which are fundamental requirements in the OWASP top ten security controls and align with NIST cybersecurity framework guidelines for protecting web applications against injection attacks.