CVE-2009-3752 in Opial
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in home.php in Opial 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the genres_parent parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3752 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Opial 1.0 content management system, specifically affecting the home.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of the genres_parent parameter, which is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization measures. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the application's database interactions by injecting malicious SQL commands through the targeted parameter, potentially enabling full database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper parameter handling within the Opial 1.0 framework where user-supplied input from the genres_parent parameter is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without appropriate escaping or parameterization techniques. This primitive approach to database interaction creates an exploitable condition where attackers can inject malicious SQL syntax that alters the intended query execution flow. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications where user input is improperly handled within database queries.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems running Opial 1.0, as remote attackers can leverage the SQL injection to execute arbitrary database commands with the privileges of the database user account. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include potential system compromise, data modification, and unauthorized access to sensitive user information. Attackers could potentially escalate privileges, extract confidential data, modify database contents, or even establish persistent access through the compromised application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any internet-connected attacker.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3752 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase. The recommended approach involves replacing direct parameter concatenation with prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL command structure from data values. Organizations should also implement proper input sanitization measures, including character set validation, length restrictions, and comprehensive filtering of potentially malicious input patterns. Additionally, the application should be updated to a newer version of Opial that addresses this vulnerability, as the original version appears to be obsolete and likely lacks security patches. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though they should not be considered a substitute for proper code-level remediation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting SQL injection vulnerabilities, which emphasizes the use of database interaction flaws for privilege escalation and data exfiltration operations.