CVE-2009-4624 in iDesk
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in download.php in Nicecoder iDesk allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cat_id parameter, a different vector than CVE-2005-3843.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2025
The CVE-2009-4624 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the Nicecoder iDesk application's download.php script that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary database commands. This vulnerability specifically targets the cat_id parameter, creating an attack surface that differs significantly from the previously identified CVE-2005-3843, which affected a different component of the same application ecosystem. The vulnerability exists within the application's input validation mechanisms, where user-supplied data flows directly into sql query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. This flaw falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89, which classifies sql injection as a fundamental weakness in software design that allows attackers to manipulate sql queries through untrusted input.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the cat_id parameter in the download.php script. The application fails to validate or escape special sql characters in the submitted value, allowing attackers to inject sql code that gets executed by the underlying database engine. This injection can potentially lead to unauthorized data access, data modification, or even complete database compromise depending on the attacker's privileges and the database configuration. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input handling practices and violates fundamental secure coding principles that emphasize the use of parameterized queries or proper input sanitization techniques. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or in severe cases, gain elevated privileges within the database system.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-4624 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with a pathway to compromise the entire database infrastructure supporting the iDesk application. Remote exploitation means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or network privileges, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where the application is exposed to untrusted networks. The vulnerability can facilitate advanced persistent threats by enabling attackers to establish backdoors, modify application logic, or create unauthorized administrative accounts. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the attack technique T1071.004 in the attack framework, which focuses on application layer protocol manipulation. The threat actor can potentially escalate this initial access into more significant compromises within the network infrastructure that relies on the vulnerable database.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4624 should prioritize immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase. The most effective remediation involves replacing direct sql string concatenation with prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate sql logic from user input. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization routines that filter or escape special characters commonly used in sql injection attacks. Additionally, database access controls should be reviewed and restricted to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious sql injection patterns in network traffic. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, ensuring that the application follows secure coding standards and best practices as defined by industry frameworks such as the owasp top ten and iso/iec 27001 security controls.