CVE-2009-3973 in Turnkey Arcade Script
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in Turnkey Arcade Script allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter in a browse action, a different vector than CVE-2008-5629.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2024
The CVE-2009-3973 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw in the Turnkey Arcade Script's index.php file, specifically targeting the browse action functionality. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the id parameter, which is directly incorporated into SQL query constructions without proper escaping or parameterization mechanisms. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious SQL code through the id parameter, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information or executing destructive operations on the underlying database system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into database queries. When a user requests a browse action with a specific id parameter, the Turnkey Arcade Script processes this input directly within SQL command construction without employing prepared statements or adequate input filtering. This design flaw creates an exploitable entry point where attackers can inject malicious SQL payloads that bypass authentication mechanisms and manipulate database operations. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous for web applications handling sensitive user data.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-3973 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise including unauthorized data modification, deletion, or disclosure of confidential information. Attackers could potentially extract user credentials, personal information, or system configuration details that would enable further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from any location without physical access to the system, significantly increasing the attack surface and potential damage scope. Organizations using Turnkey Arcade Script are particularly vulnerable as this flaw affects the core browsing functionality that likely handles user requests for game information and other content.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase. The most effective remediation involves replacing direct SQL query construction with prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL command structure from user input data. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization routines and output encoding can prevent malicious payloads from being executed. Organizations should also deploy web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL injection attempts and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a typical example of how insufficient input validation creates persistent security risks. The attack vector described in this CVE follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities, particularly focusing on the use of SQL injection as an initial access method. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability and implementing comprehensive database security measures including access controls, monitoring, and regular security audits to prevent unauthorized database access and maintain system integrity.