CVE-2009-4783 in Theeta CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Theeta CMS, possibly 0.01, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the start parameter to (1) forum.php and (2) thread.php in community/, and (3) blog/index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4783 represents a critical security flaw in Theeta CMS version 0.01 that exposes multiple pathways for remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands through SQL injection techniques. This vulnerability affects three distinct files within the CMS including forum.php and thread.php located in the community/ directory, as well as blog/index.php, all of which fail to properly validate or sanitize user input parameters. The specific parameter targeted is the 'start' parameter which is processed without adequate input filtering mechanisms, creating a direct avenue for malicious SQL command injection.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the 'start' parameter in HTTP requests sent to the affected PHP scripts. The CMS fails to implement proper input validation or parameter sanitization, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL payloads that are then executed within the database context. This flaw falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities, where insufficient input validation leads to unauthorized database access and potential data manipulation. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution vector since successful exploitation can allow attackers to execute arbitrary database commands, potentially leading to complete database compromise.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risk to Theeta CMS users and administrators as it enables remote attackers to perform unauthorized database operations without requiring authentication. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from the database including user credentials, personal data, and system configuration details. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers may also be able to modify or delete database records, potentially causing system disruption or complete data loss. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the CMS community features and blog components, making it particularly dangerous for sites that rely on user-generated content and forum discussions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4783 should include immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameter sanitization across all affected PHP scripts. The recommended approach involves using prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks, along with implementing proper input filtering and output encoding techniques. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, while conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. Additionally, the affected CMS version should be updated to a patched release that addresses these injection vulnerabilities, as the vulnerability is classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as part of the SQL Injection technique category, specifically targeting database access and privilege escalation. The remediation process should also include disabling unnecessary database user privileges and implementing proper access controls to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.