CVE-2009-4985 in Accessories Me PHP Affiliate Script
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in browse.php in Accessories Me PHP Affiliate Script 1.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the Go parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The CVE-2009-4985 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Accessories Me PHP Affiliate Script version 1.4, specifically affecting the browse.php component. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user input through the Go parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the application's database queries, potentially compromising the entire backend infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution vector means that malicious actors can exploit it from outside the network perimeter without requiring authentication or prior access to the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the browse.php script where the Go parameter is directly incorporated into SQL queries without appropriate escaping or parameterization techniques. This primitive approach to database interaction creates a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate the underlying SQL statements through crafted input sequences. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. According to the ATT&CK framework, this represents a technique categorized under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries target web applications to gain unauthorized access to backend systems. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input sanitization practices that should be implemented through proper parameterized queries or prepared statements as recommended by the OWASP Top Ten security guidelines.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise, unauthorized user account creation, data manipulation, and potential system infiltration. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including user credentials, affiliate commission data, and potentially gain administrative privileges within the affiliate marketing platform. The consequences for the affected organization include data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire affiliate program, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate affiliate links, modify commission structures, or even redirect traffic to malicious destinations. Organizations utilizing this specific version of the Accessories Me PHP Affiliate Script face heightened risk due to the widespread nature of this particular software platform.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4985 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected software to the latest available version that contains proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. System administrators must implement proper parameterized queries or prepared statements throughout the application codebase to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious SQL injection patterns and block malicious traffic. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar input validation weaknesses. The implementation of proper input filtering and output encoding techniques, as outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices, provides defense-in-depth measures against SQL injection attacks. Additionally, organizations should establish robust monitoring protocols to detect unauthorized access attempts and maintain up-to-date vulnerability management processes to ensure timely remediation of identified security flaws.