CVE-2010-3013 in Pligg
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in groupadmin.php in Pligg before 1.1.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the role parameter, a different vulnerability than CVE-2010-2577.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3013 represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in the groupadmin.php component of the Pligg content management system prior to version 1.1.1. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of the role parameter within the administrative interface, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL query structures. Unlike CVE-2010-2577 which addressed a different aspect of the system's security, this vulnerability operates through a distinct attack vector that targets the administrative role management functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate the role parameter in a manner that directly influences the SQL query execution flow. When the application processes the role parameter without adequate sanitization, malicious input can alter the intended query structure, potentially enabling attackers to extract sensitive data, modify database records, or even gain elevated privileges within the system. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper validation or escaping. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it operates over remote network connections, requiring no local system access or authentication credentials to exploit the flaw.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3013 extends beyond simple data corruption or unauthorized access, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized administrative control. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, manipulate user roles, access confidential information stored in the database, or potentially use the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire Pligg platform, as database-level access provides attackers with the ability to modify core application data, user credentials, and system configurations. This weakness also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate credentials use for persistence and privilege escalation, as compromised database access could enable attackers to maintain long-term system presence.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary solution involves updating to Pligg version 1.1.1 or later, which incorporates proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms for the role parameter. Organizations should implement comprehensive parameter validation that includes input length restrictions, character set filtering, and proper SQL escaping techniques. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting database user permissions to only those operations necessary for normal application functionality. Database query logging and monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous SQL patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security measures should also include regular vulnerability assessments, code reviews focusing on input handling, and implementation of web application firewalls to filter potentially malicious SQL injection payloads. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in web applications and serves as a reminder of the severe consequences that can result from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data in database interaction components.