CVE-2010-1498 in Dl Stats
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in dl_stats before 2.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter to (1) download.php and (2) view_file.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1498 represents a critical security flaw in the dl_stats software version prior to 2.0, specifically targeting the download.php and view_file.php scripts. This issue manifests as multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities that enable remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands through manipulation of the id parameter. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper sanitization of user-supplied data within the application's database interaction layers, creating a direct pathway for malicious actors to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. The affected software components process user input without proper escaping or parameterization, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL payloads that can manipulate database queries in unintended ways. This flaw operates at the application level and specifically targets the database communication layer where user-provided identifiers are directly incorporated into SQL statements without adequate protection measures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows the standard SQL injection attack pattern where an attacker crafts malicious input containing SQL syntax that alters the intended query execution flow. When the id parameter is passed to download.php or view_file.php, the application fails to properly sanitize this input before incorporating it into database queries, enabling attackers to inject additional SQL commands that execute with the privileges of the database user account. This creates a significant risk of data leakage, data modification, or complete database compromise. The vulnerability can be classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects two separate endpoints within the same application, amplifying the potential impact and attack vectors available to threat actors. The exploitation requires minimal technical expertise and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the affected software is widely deployed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Successful exploitation allows attackers to extract sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, and system configurations from the database. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from outside the network perimeter without requiring physical access or prior authentication. This creates a significant risk for organizations using vulnerable versions of dl_stats, as it provides a direct route to database-level access that can be leveraged for further attacks. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol usage for command and control, as attackers can use the SQL injection to establish persistent access or exfiltrate data. Organizations may experience service disruption, regulatory compliance violations, and potential financial losses due to data breaches resulting from this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1498 must focus on immediate patching of the affected software to version 2.0 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other applications. The use of prepared statements and stored procedures can effectively eliminate SQL injection risks by separating SQL code from data. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and principle of least privilege access controls should be enforced to limit the potential damage from successful attacks. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the entire application portfolio. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing functionality while maintaining the security improvements necessary to protect against SQL injection attacks.