CVE-2009-4618 in Bus Script
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Tourism Script Bus Script allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the sitetext_id parameter to (1) aboutus.php and (2) faq.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2025
The CVE-2009-4618 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the Tourism Script Bus Script web application, specifically targeting its handling of user input in two key administrative pages. This vulnerability falls under the category of SQL injection attacks, which occur when an application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The flaw affects the sitetext_id parameter in both aboutus.php and faq.php scripts, making these pages susceptible to malicious input manipulation that could lead to unauthorized database access and potential system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands without requiring authentication or privileged access to the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the Tourism Script Bus Script application. When users provide input through the sitetext_id parameter, the application does not adequately sanitize or escape the data before using it in SQL query construction. This creates an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious SQL code that gets executed by the database engine, potentially allowing them to retrieve, modify, or delete sensitive data. The vulnerability manifests as a classic SQL injection attack vector where the attacker can manipulate the parameter to bypass normal input validation and directly influence the database query execution flow. According to CWE-89, this vulnerability maps directly to the weakness of insufficient input validation and improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, which is a fundamental security flaw in database interaction design.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-4618 extends far beyond simple data exposure, as it provides attackers with substantial control over the affected system's database layer. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and business-critical information stored within the application's database. The vulnerability also opens pathways for data manipulation and potential system compromise through database privilege escalation techniques. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to administrative functions, modify content, or even establish persistent access through database backdoors. The remote nature of this attack means that threat actors can exploit the vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol and T1190 for exploit public-facing application, representing common attack vectors used by adversaries targeting web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4618 should focus on implementing robust input validation and parameterized query mechanisms throughout the application. The primary defense 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 routines and employing web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection against SQL injection attempts. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify similar weaknesses in other parts of their web applications. The implementation of proper access controls and database privilege management can further limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. According to industry best practices and security frameworks, these remediation measures align with the principle of least privilege and defense in depth strategies that are essential for protecting web applications from SQL injection threats. Regular patch management and security updates should be implemented to ensure that known vulnerabilities in third-party applications are addressed promptly, preventing exploitation of similar flaws that may exist in other components of the web application stack.