CVE-2009-3967 in SuperCharged Linking
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in browse.php in Ed Charkow SuperCharged Linking allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3967 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Ed Charkow SuperCharged Linking software suite, specifically affecting the browse.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the id parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation measures. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands into the database query execution flow, potentially compromising the entire underlying database infrastructure. The vulnerability is classified under the CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses where untrusted data is directly incorporated into sql commands without proper escaping or parameterization techniques.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload targeting the id parameter in the browse.php script. The application fails to implement proper input validation or sanitization mechanisms, allowing sql metacharacters and commands to be interpreted by the database engine. This creates a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate database queries, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information, modifying database content, or executing administrative commands. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input filtering and output encoding practices that are fundamental to secure application development. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication and can be executed remotely, making it accessible to any attacker with network connectivity to the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, encompassing potential complete system compromise and data destruction capabilities. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to user credentials, personal information, business data, and other sensitive materials stored within the database. Attackers might also leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or conduct further reconnaissance activities against the compromised system. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected database systems, potentially resulting in significant financial losses, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage. Organizations utilizing this software would face increased risk of data breaches and potential legal consequences under various data protection regulations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3967 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. The primary recommendation involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to ensure that user-supplied data cannot be interpreted as sql commands. Organizations should apply the vendor-supplied patches or upgrade to versions that address this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input sanitization mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection. The mitigation approach aligns with the ATT&CK framework's defense-in-depth principles, emphasizing the importance of input validation, secure coding practices, and network segmentation to reduce attack surface. Regular security assessments, code reviews, and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.