CVE-2009-4615 in MYRE Holiday Rental Manager
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in review.php in MYRE Holiday Rental Manager allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the link_id parameter in a show_review action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2025
The CVE-2009-4615 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the MYRE Holiday Rental Manager application, specifically affecting the review.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the link_id parameter during the show_review action execution. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries by injecting malicious sql code, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can craft malicious requests to the affected application. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as it can enable full database compromise and potentially serve as a stepping stone for further attacks within the network infrastructure. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses in software applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1190 technique, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services to gain unauthorized access to systems. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation and sanitization, where user data flows directly into sql query construction without adequate filtering or parameterization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious request containing specially formatted link_id parameter values that manipulate the sql query structure. When the application processes this parameter, it fails to properly escape or validate the input, allowing the attacker to inject additional sql commands that execute with the privileges of the database user account. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for arbitrary command execution, meaning attackers can perform operations such as data extraction, table modification, or even command execution on the underlying operating system if the database user has sufficient privileges. The affected application's failure to implement proper parameterized queries or input sanitization mechanisms creates an environment where malicious input can directly influence the sql execution flow. The vulnerability's remote nature eliminates the need for physical access or insider knowledge, making it particularly attractive to automated attack tools and script kiddies. The attack surface is further expanded because the vulnerability affects the review functionality, which is likely a common feature accessed by both legitimate users and potential attackers during reconnaissance phases.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-4615 extends far beyond immediate data compromise, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access points within the target environment. Successful exploitation can lead to complete database takeover, allowing attackers to exfiltrate sensitive information including user credentials, rental booking details, customer contact information, and financial data. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to modify or delete critical application data, potentially disrupting business operations and causing financial losses. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations and legal consequences if customer data is compromised, particularly in jurisdictions with strict data protection requirements. The vulnerability can also serve as a launching point for more sophisticated attacks, such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. Security professionals must recognize that this vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture, indicating potential additional weaknesses in input handling and data validation practices. The long-term implications include the need for comprehensive security audits, potential system rearchitecture, and the implementation of robust input validation mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4615 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts targeting the affected application. The recommended approach involves using prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate sql code from user input, ensuring that malicious input cannot alter the intended query structure. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization techniques, including character encoding and length validation, can help prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems. The implementation of least privilege principles for database accounts can limit the damage from successful exploitation attempts, while comprehensive logging and monitoring systems can help detect unauthorized access attempts. Security patches should be applied immediately to address this vulnerability, and organizations should establish incident response procedures to handle potential exploitation attempts. Regular security training for development teams can prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future applications, emphasizing the importance of secure coding practices and input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security measures and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against sql injection attacks.