CVE-2009-4256 in AlefMentor
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in cource.php in AlefMentor 2.0 and 2.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) cont_id and (2) courc_id parameters in a pregled action. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4256 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in the AlefMentor learning management system version 2.0 and 2.2. This vulnerability specifically affects the cource.php script and manifests through two distinct parameter injection points: cont_id and courc_id. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system, potentially compromising the entire application infrastructure. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 as SQL injection, which is a well-documented weakness in software applications that fail to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into database queries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application processes user-supplied data through the pregled action without adequate input validation or parameter sanitization. When an attacker submits malicious input through either the cont_id or courc_id parameters, the application incorporates this unvalidated data directly into SQL query constructs. This allows attackers to manipulate the database query structure, potentially extracting sensitive information, modifying database records, or even gaining administrative access to the underlying database system. The vulnerability exists because the application does not employ proper input filtering or prepared statement mechanisms to handle user-provided parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it can lead to complete system takeover and data exfiltration. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could access sensitive user information including student records, course materials, and potentially administrative credentials stored within the database. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries leverage publicly accessible applications to gain unauthorized access. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that AlefMentor is a learning management system that typically contains sensitive educational data and personal information of students and faculty members.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries. The most effective approach involves replacing direct string concatenation of user input with prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL command structure from data. Additionally, input sanitization should be implemented at multiple layers including application-level validation and database-level access controls. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit the exposure of vulnerable applications, while regular security assessments and penetration testing can identify similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also include updating the AlefMentor software to versions that address this specific vulnerability, as the original versions 2.0 and 2.2 are no longer supported and contain multiple known security weaknesses. Organizations should also implement database activity monitoring to detect anomalous SQL query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.