CVE-2009-3659 in BS Counter
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in file/stats.php in BS Counter 2.5.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2024
The CVE-2009-3659 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw discovered in BS Counter 2.5.3, a web-based counter application designed to track website visits and user activity. This vulnerability specifically affects the file/stats.php component which processes user input through the page parameter, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database operations. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's data handling mechanisms, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql commands that bypass normal security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql queries. The page parameter in stats.php serves as the attack vector where an attacker can submit crafted sql payloads that get directly executed against the backend database. This weakness aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental flaw in data validation and query construction processes. The vulnerability exists due to the application's reliance on dynamic sql query building without proper parameterization or input filtering mechanisms, making it susceptible to manipulation through carefully crafted malicious input sequences.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to affected systems as remote attackers can execute arbitrary sql commands with the privileges of the database user account. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive data from the database, modify or delete records, create new user accounts, or even escalate privileges to gain full administrative control over the database system. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers might leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, conduct data corruption attacks, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further network infiltration activities. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that store visitor statistics, user tracking data, or other sensitive information in relational databases.
Organizations affected by CVE-2009-3659 should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied data, particularly parameters used in database queries. The recommended approach involves implementing proper parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent malicious sql code execution, along with input filtering that removes or escapes potentially dangerous characters. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block sql injection attempts, while conducting thorough security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the need for comprehensive application security testing and network monitoring to prevent exploitation attempts. Regular patch management and vulnerability assessment procedures should be implemented to address similar weaknesses in legacy applications and ensure ongoing protection against sql injection threats.