CVE-2009-4749 in Php Live!
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in PHP Live! 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the x parameter to (1) message_box.php and (2) request.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4749 represents a critical security flaw in PHP Live! versions 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 that exposes the application to remote code execution through SQL injection attacks. This vulnerability specifically affects two key files within the application's codebase: message_box.php and request.php, both of which process user input through the x parameter without adequate sanitization or validation. The flaw stems from improper handling of user-supplied data in database queries, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database operations and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper escaping or parameterization. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input strings that are directly inserted into SQL queries, allowing them to execute arbitrary database commands. The x parameter serves as the primary attack vector, where an attacker can inject SQL code that bypasses normal authentication mechanisms and potentially escalates privileges within the application's database environment. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, demonstrating how attackers can leverage web application weaknesses to achieve unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to modify or delete database records, extract sensitive user information, or even establish persistent access to the system. The affected PHP Live! application likely handles user communications and support requests, making the database contain potentially sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and communication logs. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on this software for customer support or internal communication. Organizations using these vulnerable versions face significant risk of data breaches, compliance violations, and potential system compromise that could affect their entire infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4749 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected PHP Live! versions to the latest available releases that contain proper input validation and parameterized query implementations. System administrators should implement proper input sanitization measures, including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks, which directly addresses the underlying cause of this vulnerability. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious SQL injection patterns in traffic to the affected endpoints. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities in other software components, as this type of flaw is commonly found in legacy applications that have not been properly updated or maintained. Regular security updates, proper code review processes, and adherence to secure coding practices are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future software deployments.