CVE-2009-4351 in WSCreator
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in ADMIN/loginaction.php in WSCreator 1.1, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the Email (aka username) parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-4351 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the WSCreator 1.1 web application's authentication system. This vulnerability specifically targets the ADMIN/loginaction.php script which handles user login operations and is particularly dangerous when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled. The flaw occurs because the application fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into SQL database queries, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database operations through crafted input.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the Email parameter, which serves as the username input field in the login form. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, PHP does not automatically escape special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data, leaving the application susceptible to SQL injection attacks. Attackers can manipulate the Email parameter to inject malicious SQL code that bypasses authentication mechanisms and potentially executes arbitrary database commands. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, which is classified as a critical weakness in software applications that process untrusted data through SQL queries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple authentication bypass, as it provides attackers with the ability to extract sensitive user data, modify database records, or even escalate privileges within the application. The attacker could potentially retrieve all user credentials, personal information, and other database contents that the application stores. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for web applications that handle sensitive data and represents a significant risk to data confidentiality and integrity. The exploitation requires minimal technical expertise and can be automated using standard penetration testing tools, making it a preferred target for both skilled and unskilled attackers.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve multiple layers of defensive measures that align with established security frameworks and best practices. The primary remediation approach requires enabling magic_quotes_gpc or implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques using prepared statements or parameterized queries as recommended by the OWASP SQL Injection Prevention Cheat Sheet. Organizations should also implement proper access controls, regularly update and patch their web applications, and conduct thorough security testing including dynamic and static application security testing. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, making it a critical target for defensive security measures. Additionally, implementing proper database access controls and monitoring for unusual database activity can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts.