CVE-2010-2616 in PHP Bible Search
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in bible.php in PHP Bible Search, probably 0.99, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the chapter parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2025
The CVE-2010-2616 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the php bible search application version 099 specifically affecting the biblephp script. This vulnerability resides in the chapter parameter handling mechanism where user input is directly incorporated into sql query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the sql execution flow by injecting malicious sql commands through the chapter parameter, potentially allowing full database access and arbitrary command execution. The vulnerability classification aligns with cwe-89 sql injection as defined in the common weakness enumeration catalog, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands. This weakness occurs when application code does not properly validate or escape user input before incorporating it into sql queries, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can exploit the lack of input sanitization to manipulate database operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary sql commands on the underlying database server. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and application configuration details stored within the database. The vulnerability also enables potential privilege escalation attacks where attackers might gain administrative access to the database system, allowing them to modify or delete critical data, create new user accounts, or even execute operating system commands through database-specific extensions. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web applications where database connections often run with elevated privileges, potentially providing attackers with direct access to the backend infrastructure. The attack vector is straightforward as it requires only a web browser and knowledge of the target application's url structure to exploit the vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2616 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. The most effective remediation involves replacing direct sql string concatenation with prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate sql code from user input. Applications should implement strict input validation on all parameters including the chapter parameter, ensuring that only expected data types and formats are accepted. Additionally, proper error handling should be implemented to prevent information disclosure that might aid attackers in understanding the database structure. Security measures should include web application firewalls that can detect and block sql injection attempts, as well as regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The remediation approach aligns with attack technique t107101 application layer protocol use and t107104 application layer protocol network protocol tunneling from the mitre attack framework, which highlights how sql injection attacks can be used to establish persistent access to target systems. Organizations should also consider implementing least privilege principles for database connections and regular security updates to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.