CVE-2009-3667 in AdsDX
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in admin/index.php in AdsDX 3.05 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the Username.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3667 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the AdsDX 3.05 content management system. This security weakness resides in the administrative interface at admin/index.php where user input validation is insufficiently implemented. The vulnerability specifically affects the Username parameter which is processed without proper sanitization or parameterization, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database layer. This flaw fundamentally undermines the application's ability to distinguish between legitimate user input and potentially harmful database commands.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows the classic SQL injection pattern where an attacker can manipulate the Username field to execute unauthorized database operations. When the application processes the Username parameter in the admin/index.php file, it directly incorporates user-supplied data into SQL query construction without adequate input filtering or escape sequence handling. This allows an attacker to append malicious SQL syntax to the legitimate query, potentially gaining unauthorized access to database contents, modifying critical records, or even executing administrative commands on the underlying database system. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89 which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands as a fundamental weakness in software security design.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to escalate privileges within the administrative interface, potentially leading to full system control. The vulnerability affects the authentication mechanism of the application, meaning that successful exploitation could allow unauthorized users to bypass normal login procedures and assume administrative roles. This compromises the integrity and confidentiality of all data managed by the AdsDX platform, including user credentials, advertising information, and potentially sensitive business data. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability exists in the administrative interface which typically holds the most privileged access points within web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application's codebase, specifically within the admin/index.php file where the Username parameter is processed. Organizations should immediately apply patches or code modifications that sanitize all user inputs before incorporating them into database queries. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries represents the most effective defense against SQL injection attacks, as these approaches separate the SQL command structure from the data being processed. Additionally, applying the principle of least privilege to database connections used by the application can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Security controls should include input length restrictions, character set validation, and regular security code reviews to identify similar patterns that might exist elsewhere in the application's codebase. This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the use of SQL injection to gain unauthorized access to database systems and extract sensitive information.