CVE-2009-4229 in Active Bids
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in ActiveWebSoftwares Active Bids allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) the catid parameter in the PATH_INFO to the default URI or (2) the catid parameter to default.asp. NOTE: this might overlap CVE-2009-0429.3. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4229 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within ActiveWebSoftwares Active Bids platform, a web-based auction system that enables users to conduct online bidding activities. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The affected application processes the catid parameter through multiple entry points including PATH_INFO to the default URI and direct access to default.asp, creating multiple attack vectors for malicious actors to exploit. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications, where improper handling of user input leads to unauthorized database access and potential data compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers manipulate the catid parameter to inject malicious SQL commands into the application's database layer. When the application processes these unvalidated parameters through PATH_INFO or direct.asp requests, the malformed SQL code gets executed within the database context, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even gain administrative privileges. The attack vector operates at the application layer where user input flows directly into database queries without proper sanitization or parameterization, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle sensitive user data or financial transactions. This vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and output encoding practices that are fundamental to preventing injection attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-4229 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to compromise the entire auction platform's integrity and availability. Attackers might extract user credentials, financial records, or auction data, potentially leading to significant financial losses and reputational damage for the organization running the Active Bids system. The vulnerability's potential overlap with CVE-2009-0429.3 suggests this may represent a broader class of injection flaws within the ActiveWebSoftwares product line, indicating possible systemic security weaknesses that require comprehensive remediation. Organizations utilizing this platform face risks of unauthorized data access, service disruption, and potential regulatory violations if sensitive information is compromised through these injection points.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. The recommended approach involves sanitizing all user inputs through strict validation routines that reject or escape potentially malicious characters before processing. Organizations should implement prepared statements or parameterized queries to ensure that user input is treated as data rather than executable code. Additionally, the application should employ proper error handling that does not expose database structure information to end users, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parameters or functions. The remediation process should align with established security frameworks such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, ensuring comprehensive protection against injection attacks and maintaining the integrity of database operations.