CVE-2009-3965 in New5starrating
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in rating.php in New 5 star Rating 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the det parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2024
The CVE-2009-3965 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the New 5 star Rating 1.0 plugin, specifically within the rating.php script where the det parameter is improperly handled. This vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in an sql command. The flaw occurs when user input from the det parameter is directly incorporated into sql query construction without adequate sanitization or parameterization, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors to manipulate database operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary sql commands through the det parameter, which typically represents a unique identifier or detection value within the rating system. When an attacker submits malicious input through this parameter, the application fails to properly escape or validate the input before incorporating it into database queries. This oversight enables attackers to craft sql payloads that can bypass authentication, extract sensitive data, modify database records, or even execute administrative commands on the underlying database system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the database level, potentially allowing full compromise of the application's data integrity and confidentiality.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-3965 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate the rating system itself. This could lead to denial of service conditions by corrupting rating data, or more insidiously, allow attackers to manipulate user ratings to influence public perception or reputation. The vulnerability affects any system running the New 5 star Rating 1.0 plugin, making it particularly concerning for websites that rely on user-generated content and reputation management systems. Attackers could exploit this flaw to insert malicious data, create false ratings, or even gain unauthorized access to administrative functions that control the rating system configuration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term prevention measures. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application code, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped or sanitized before database interaction. This aligns with the defensive programming principles outlined in the owasp top ten and represents a fundamental requirement for preventing sql injection attacks. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection, while regular security audits and code reviews help identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. System administrators should also consider implementing database user privilege restrictions and monitoring for unusual database access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input handling in preventing widespread exploitation of sql injection flaws.