CVE-2009-3494 in T-HTB Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in index.php in T-HTB Manager 0.5, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) the id parameter in a delete_category action, (2) the name parameter in an update_category action, and other vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3494 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in T-HTB Manager version 0.5 that exploits the absence of proper input validation mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php script and becomes exploitable when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, creating a dangerous condition where user-supplied data can directly influence database query execution without adequate sanitization. The flaw manifests through multiple attack vectors including the id parameter during delete_category operations and the name parameter during update_category operations, demonstrating the widespread nature of the insecure coding practices within the application's data handling mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows the classic SQL injection pattern where malicious input is concatenated into database queries without proper escaping or parameterization. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, the application fails to automatically escape special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL syntax that can manipulate the database structure or extract sensitive information. The delete_category action with the id parameter represents a direct injection point where an attacker can craft a malicious id value that alters the intended database DELETE statement, while the update_category action with the name parameter enables attackers to inject SQL commands that modify existing records or execute unauthorized database operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation to encompass full database compromise and potential system infiltration. Attackers can leverage these injection points to extract confidential information including user credentials, database schema details, and application configuration data. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple parameters indicates a fundamental flaw in the application's input handling architecture, suggesting that similar issues may exist throughout the codebase. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses and represents a critical security gap that could enable attackers to escalate privileges, perform unauthorized data access, or establish persistent backdoors within the affected system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3494 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent malicious SQL code execution. The primary defense involves enabling magic_quotes_gpc or implementing comprehensive input sanitization routines that properly escape or validate all user-supplied data before database interaction. Organizations should also implement proper database access controls, employ prepared statements or stored procedures, and conduct thorough code reviews to identify similar injection vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include disabling the vulnerable application components until proper security patches are implemented and establishing monitoring protocols to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures beyond simple patch management.