CVE-2009-4456 in Green Desktiny
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in news_detail.php in Green Desktiny 2.3.1, and possibly earlier versions, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4456 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Green Desktiny content management system version 2.3.1 and potentially earlier releases. This weakness resides in the news_detail.php script which fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before incorporating it into database queries. The vulnerability specifically affects the id parameter, which serves as the primary interface for retrieving news articles from the database. Attackers can exploit this flaw by manipulating the id parameter to inject malicious SQL code that bypasses normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation practices where user-supplied data flows directly into SQL execution contexts without proper sanitization or parameterization. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which classifies SQL injection as a serious weakness that can lead to complete database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The attack vector is remote and requires no special privileges, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the vulnerable web application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the underlying database server. This means that adversaries can not only read sensitive data but also modify, delete, or even drop database tables. The vulnerability enables attackers to escalate privileges within the database, potentially gaining access to user credentials, personal information, financial data, and other confidential resources stored within the application's database. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which describes application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting web applications through SQL injection attacks. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious SQL payloads that can be passed through the id parameter to manipulate the database query execution flow. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects multiple versions of the Green Desktiny platform, suggesting a widespread exposure across various installations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4456 must focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent user input from being interpreted as executable SQL code. The most effective remediation involves using prepared statements or parameterized queries which separate the SQL command structure from the data being processed. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization techniques such as whitelisting valid input patterns and escaping special characters can significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL injection attempts before they reach the vulnerable application. From a defensive standpoint, regular security audits and penetration testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege when designing web applications. Security teams should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process requires immediate attention as the vulnerability has been known for over a decade and continues to pose significant risk to unpatched systems. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and access controls to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.