CVE-2009-3970 in PHP Dir Submit
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in PHP Dir Submit (aka WebsiteSubmitter or Submitter Script) allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the aid parameter in a showarticle action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3970 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the PHP Dir Submit content management system, specifically affecting the index.php script. This vulnerability resides in the website submission or directory submission script commonly known as WebsiteSubmitter or Submitter Script, which is frequently used for managing website directories and submissions. The flaw manifests when authenticated users exploit the aid parameter during a showarticle action, creating a pathway for malicious SQL command execution. This vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-89 SQL Injection as defined by the Common Weakness Enumeration, which classifies it as a severe security weakness that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through untrusted input.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user input from the aid parameter before incorporating it into SQL queries. When an authenticated user submits a malicious value through this parameter during a showarticle action, the application processes the input without adequate validation, allowing the attacker to inject arbitrary SQL commands. This type of injection can potentially lead to unauthorized database access, data manipulation, information disclosure, and in severe cases, complete database compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that an attacker who has already gained user credentials can leverage this flaw to escalate their privileges and execute unauthorized database operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-3970 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate the entire directory submission system. An attacker could potentially extract sensitive user information, modify website listings, inject malicious content into the directory, or even gain access to backend database credentials. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the system, as it allows for unauthorized data modification and potential data leakage. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols and T1566 Credential Access, as it enables attackers to exploit web application vulnerabilities to gain access to sensitive information. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the application likely handles user-submitted website information, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking to compromise directory listings or extract user data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries. The system administrators should immediately implement input sanitization measures, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped before being incorporated into SQL statements. The most effective remediation involves adopting prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL code from user input, preventing the injection of malicious commands. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and authentication mechanisms, along with regular security audits, would help prevent unauthorized access to the vulnerable application. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious SQL injection attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in web applications, particularly those handling user-generated content. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be established to ensure that such vulnerabilities are promptly addressed when discovered.