CVE-2010-2855 in Event Horizon
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in modfile.php in Event Horizon (EVH) 1.1.10, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) YourEmail and (2) VerificationNumber parameters. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2855 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in the Event Horizon (EVH) content management system version 1.1.10. This vulnerability specifically targets the modfile.php component and demonstrates the dangerous consequences that arise when web applications fail to properly sanitize user input. The flaw becomes particularly severe when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, which removes a fundamental protection mechanism that would otherwise escape special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data. This configuration oversight creates an exploitable attack surface where malicious actors can manipulate database queries through carefully crafted input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through two distinct parameter injection points within the modfile.php script. Attackers can exploit the YourEmail parameter and VerificationNumber parameter to inject malicious SQL code that bypasses normal input validation mechanisms. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, these parameters become direct conduits for SQL command injection attacks, allowing threat actors to execute arbitrary database operations without authentication. The vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. This particular attack vector demonstrates how the absence of input validation combined with weak database query construction creates a pathway for complete database compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2855 extends far beyond simple data theft, encompassing complete system compromise and potential data destruction. Successful exploitation enables attackers to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations from the underlying database. The vulnerability also permits attackers to modify or delete database records, potentially corrupting the entire Event Horizon installation. From an adversarial perspective, this flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services, and T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it requires no privileged access and can be executed from any remote location, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The most effective immediate solution involves enabling magic_quotes_gpc or implementing proper input sanitization using prepared statements and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection. System administrators should also ensure that all user-supplied input is properly validated and escaped before being incorporated into database queries. The broader security posture requires implementing proper access controls, regular security audits, and maintaining up-to-date software versions to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should consider deploying web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security training for developers on secure coding practices and the implementation of automated code review processes can help prevent similar injection vulnerabilities from being introduced in future releases. The vulnerability serves as a stark reminder of the importance of defense in depth and the critical need for robust input validation mechanisms in all database interactions.