CVE-2009-4722 in Limny
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the CheckLogin function in includes/functions.php in Limny 1.01, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the username parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2026
The CVE-2009-4722 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Limny 1.01 web application framework that specifically targets the CheckLogin function located in the includes/functions.php file. This vulnerability emerges from the application's failure to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into sql queries, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to the underlying database system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only the presence of a vulnerable parameter in the authentication flow to be exploited, making it a direct threat to the application's integrity and user data security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the CheckLogin function. When the magic_quotes_gpc php configuration directive is disabled, the application fails to automatically escape special characters that could be used to manipulate sql queries. Attackers can manipulate the username parameter to inject malicious sql code that bypasses normal authentication procedures and executes arbitrary commands within the database context. This flaw directly maps to CWE-89, which classifies sql injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental weakness in input validation and data handling processes. The vulnerability exploits the fundamental principle that user-supplied input should never be directly incorporated into sql statements without proper sanitization or parameterization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple authentication bypass, as successful exploitation can enable attackers to extract sensitive user data, modify database records, or even escalate privileges within the application. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access all user accounts, view confidential information stored in the database, and potentially compromise the entire application infrastructure. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates at the authentication layer, meaning that even if other security measures are in place, successful exploitation of this vulnerability can provide attackers with immediate access to the database backend. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the exploitation of sql injection vulnerabilities to gain access to sensitive data and system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4722 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase. The most effective approach involves upgrading the Limny 1.01 application to a patched version that implements proper sql injection prevention mechanisms, including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries. Organizations should also ensure that the magic_quotes_gpc directive is properly configured or implement application-level input sanitization to prevent malicious sql code injection. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive code review to identify and address similar vulnerabilities throughout the application, as sql injection flaws often exist in multiple locations within complex applications, making systematic vulnerability management essential for maintaining security posture.