CVE-2009-4696 in RadNICS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in RadNICS Gold 5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the fid parameter in a view_forum action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4696 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the RadNICS Gold 5 forum software, specifically affecting the index.php script during forum viewing operations. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the fid parameter, which is processed during the view_forum action. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database query structure by injecting malicious SQL code, thereby bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited without requiring any prior authentication credentials, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to compromise entire database systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a direct result of insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-provided data. When the application processes the fid parameter without proper sanitization or parameterized query construction, it creates an environment where attacker-controlled input can be interpreted as executable SQL commands. The attack vector specifically targets the web application layer where user input is directly concatenated into SQL queries, violating fundamental security principles of input validation and secure coding practices. This flaw operates at the application level rather than the network level, making it particularly challenging to detect through traditional network monitoring approaches.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it can enable complete database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract confidential user data including passwords, personal information, and forum content. The potential for privilege escalation exists if the database user account has elevated permissions, allowing attackers to modify or delete data, create new user accounts, or even execute system-level commands depending on the database configuration. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on legacy forum software, where patch management may be inadequate or delayed, creating extended windows of exposure for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4696 should focus on immediate input validation and parameterized query implementation to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations must implement proper input sanitization techniques, including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries to ensure that user input cannot be interpreted as SQL commands. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation rules can provide additional layers of protection against such attacks. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and ensure that all software components are updated to the latest secure versions. Regular security monitoring and code reviews should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future development cycles, aligning with the principles of secure software development lifecycle practices that address common attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Database Operations category.