CVE-2009-3330 in cP Creator
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in cP Creator 2.7.1, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the tickets parameter in a support ticket action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3330 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the cP Creator 2.7.1 web application that specifically targets the index.php file. This vulnerability exploits a fundamental weakness in input validation mechanisms, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database through crafted malicious inputs. The flaw manifests when the php configuration directive magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, which removes the automatic escaping of special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data, leaving the application susceptible to injection attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects the tickets parameter within support ticket actions, indicating that the application processes user-supplied ticket identifiers without adequate sanitization or parameterization of database queries.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a severe class of vulnerability where untrusted data is incorporated into sql commands without proper validation or escaping. The attack vector leverages the absence of input sanitization specifically for the tickets parameter, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql code that gets executed within the context of the database connection. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, the application fails to automatically escape single quotes, double quotes, and backslashes in user input, creating an environment where sql injection attacks can succeed. The operational impact is significant as attackers can execute arbitrary sql commands including data extraction, modification, or deletion, potentially leading to complete database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The security implications extend beyond simple data theft, as this vulnerability can enable attackers to escalate privileges, modify application functionality, or even gain shell access to the underlying server depending on the database configuration and permissions. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that cP Creator is a web-based application designed for hosting control panels, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise hosting environments. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical failure in secure coding practices, specifically the lack of proper input validation and parameterized queries that should be implemented regardless of php configuration settings. Organizations using this version of cP Creator face substantial risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies must include immediate application of security patches or upgrades to versions that address this vulnerability, implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries, and configuration of php settings to ensure magic_quotes_gpc is properly managed. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be deployed to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts. The remediation process should also involve comprehensive code review to identify similar vulnerabilities in other input handling mechanisms within the application. Organizations should implement proper database access controls and monitoring to detect unauthorized database activities, while also ensuring that all web applications undergo regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and the dangers of relying on server configuration settings for security rather than implementing robust application-level protections.