CVE-2009-3590 in VS PANEL
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in showcat.php in VS PANEL 7.3.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the Cat_ID parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3590 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the VS PANEL 7.3.6 content management system. This vulnerability specifically affects the showcat.php script which processes category identification parameters, creating an exploitable entry point for remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database infrastructure. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the Cat_ID parameter, allowing malicious users to inject arbitrary SQL commands directly into the database query execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a serious weakness in software applications that process untrusted data. The vulnerability occurs when user-supplied input from the Cat_ID parameter is directly concatenated into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization mechanisms. This design flaw enables attackers to manipulate the intended query structure by injecting malicious SQL syntax that can bypass authentication, extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even execute system commands depending on the database management system in use.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it provides attackers with potential access to the entire database backend of the affected VS PANEL installation. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to user credentials, sensitive business information, and other confidential data stored within the application's database. The attack vector requires no privileged access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from any network location. Additionally, successful exploitation could enable attackers to escalate privileges, create backdoor accounts, or establish persistent access to the compromised system.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary remediation involves proper input validation and parameterized query execution, ensuring that all user-supplied data undergoes strict sanitization before being processed. Organizations must also implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, while maintaining up-to-date security patches for the VS PANEL software. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, with particular attention to parameter handling in database queries. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines, which emphasize the critical need for input validation and proper database query construction to prevent injection attacks.