CVE-2009-4687 in Silentum Guestbook
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in silentum_guestbook.php in Silentum Guestbook 2.0.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the messageid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4687 represents a critical sql injection flaw in the silentum_guestbook.php component of Silentum Guestbook version 2.0.2. This security weakness resides in the handling of user input through the messageid parameter, which is processed without proper sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database query structure by injecting malicious sql code through the vulnerable parameter, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is directly incorporated into sql commands without adequate protection measures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a crafted messageid parameter value that contains sql payload instructions. The vulnerable application processes this input directly within a sql query without any form of input filtering or parameterized query execution. When the application constructs and executes the sql statement, the malicious input gets embedded into the query structure, allowing the attacker to manipulate database operations such as data retrieval, modification, or deletion. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands with the privileges of the database user account under which the application operates, potentially leading to complete database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-4687 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with extensive control over the affected system. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized data manipulation, including the ability to add, modify, or delete guestbook entries, access sensitive administrative information, or even escalate privileges to gain deeper system access. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the guestbook application and its underlying database. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the attack tactics and techniques framework, particularly those related to command injection and privilege escalation. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the critical importance of implementing proper sql query parameterization and input sanitization measures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized query execution mechanisms. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization routines that filter or escape special sql characters from user-supplied data before processing. The recommended approach involves using prepared statements or parameterized queries to separate sql command structure from data content, ensuring that user input cannot alter the intended sql execution flow. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles for database accounts can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Security patches should be applied immediately to upgrade to versions that address this vulnerability, while regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other application components. The vulnerability also emphasizes the need for comprehensive security training for developers to prevent similar issues in future application development cycles, aligning with industry best practices for secure coding standards and defensive programming techniques.