CVE-2009-3337 in Serendipity Freetag-plugin
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Freetag (serendipity_event_freetag) plugin before 3.09 for Serendipity (S9Y) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via an unspecified parameter associated with Meta keywords in a blog entry.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2015
The CVE-2009-3337 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the freetag plugin for the Serendipity blogging platform. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 3.09 and exposes the system to remote code execution through maliciously crafted sql commands. The vulnerability manifests when the plugin processes meta keywords associated with blog entries, creating an attack surface that allows unauthorized users to manipulate database queries. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the plugin's handling of user-supplied data, particularly in the context of meta keyword metadata that bloggers commonly use to enhance search engine optimization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the sql query structure used by the freetag plugin to retrieve and store metadata information. When blog authors enter meta keywords into their posts, these values are processed by the vulnerable plugin without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql fragments that can be executed within the database context. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category of cwe-89 sql injection, which is classified as a critical security weakness in web applications. The attack vector specifically aligns with the attack technique of command injection within the attack pattern taxonomy, where adversaries leverage application input fields to execute unauthorized database operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to escalate privileges within the database system, extract sensitive information including user credentials, modify or delete content, and potentially gain full administrative control over the blogging platform. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire serendipity installation, as it provides a pathway for unauthorized access to the underlying database infrastructure. Organizations running vulnerable versions of the freetag plugin face significant risk of data compromise, service disruption, and potential reputational damage due to the exposure of their content management systems to remote exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3337 focus primarily on immediate patching of the freetag plugin to version 3.09 or later, which incorporates proper input validation and sql parameterization techniques. System administrators should also implement additional security measures including database query monitoring, input sanitization at multiple layers, and regular security audits of third-party plugins. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and adhering to secure coding practices that prevent sql injection attacks through proper parameterization and input validation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while following the principle of least privilege to minimize potential damage from successful attacks.