CVE-2009-3804 in RunCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in modules/forum/post.php in RunCMS 2M1 allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) the pid parameter, which is not properly handled by the store function in modules/forum/class/class.forumposts.php, or (2) the topic_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-3804 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting RunCMS 2M1, specifically within the forum module's post handling functionality. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle user-supplied data in two distinct parameter fields. The vulnerability exists within the store function located in modules/forum/class/class.forumposts.php, which processes forum post data without sufficient protection against malicious input manipulation. Attackers exploiting this weakness can leverage authenticated access to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in parameter handling where both the pid and topic_id parameters suffer from insufficient sanitization. When authenticated users submit forum posts or interact with existing posts, the application fails to properly escape or validate these parameters before incorporating them into SQL queries. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL syntax that bypasses normal input validation checks and directly manipulates the database structure. The vulnerability specifically targets the store function which handles data persistence operations, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited during routine forum activities such as posting replies or creating new topics.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations using RunCMS 2M1 as it requires only authenticated access to exploit. This means that any user with valid credentials can potentially execute unauthorized database operations, including data retrieval, modification, or deletion. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers could escalate privileges, create backdoors, or establish persistent access to the system. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of all forum-related data, potentially compromising user information, private messages, and administrative configurations stored within the database. Security teams must consider the potential for lateral movement within the network if database credentials are compromised or if the application has elevated privileges.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and parameterized query execution to prevent such attacks, as the root cause lies in improper handling of user-supplied data within database operations. Immediate remediation involves updating to patched versions of RunCMS, implementing proper input sanitization routines, and conducting thorough security assessments of all database interaction points. Additionally, network segmentation and database access controls should be reviewed to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Regular security testing and code reviews focused on data handling practices are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future deployments.