CVE-2009-4621 in JiangHu Inn
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the JiangHu Inn plugin 1.1 and earlier for Discuz! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter in a show action to forummission.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2025
The CVE-2009-4621 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the JiangHu Inn plugin version 1.1 and earlier for the popular Discuz! forum software platform. This vulnerability specifically targets the forummission.php script which handles various forum operations including the display of mission-related content. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input passed through the id parameter during a show action, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database queries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation practices within the plugin's codebase, where user-supplied data flows directly into sql query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. Attackers can craft malicious id parameter values that, when processed by the vulnerable forummission.php script, result in unauthorized sql command execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into sql commands without proper escaping or parameterization techniques. The vulnerability allows for complete database compromise including data extraction, modification, or deletion of sensitive information stored within the Discuz! platform.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected forum's database infrastructure. Remote attackers can execute arbitrary sql commands to escalate privileges, extract user credentials, modify forum content, or even gain access to other systems within the same database environment. The vulnerability affects all versions of the JiangHu Inn plugin up to and including version 1.1, making it a widespread concern for Discuz! administrators who have not updated their installations. This type of attack vector aligns with the attack technique T1071.004 from the ATT&CK framework which covers application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting web application vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to backend systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from affected organizations including prompt patching of the JiangHu Inn plugin to version 1.2 or later where the sql injection flaw has been addressed. System administrators should implement proper input validation and parameterization techniques throughout their web applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Additionally, network segmentation and database access controls should be reviewed to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments of third-party plugins and components remain essential practices for maintaining secure forum environments. The remediation process should also include monitoring for suspicious database activity and implementing proper logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules to provide additional layers of protection against sql injection attacks targeting their Discuz! platforms.