CVE-2010-3428 in Group-Office
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in modules/notes/json.php in Intermesh Group-Office 3.5.9 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the category_id parameter in a category action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2025
The CVE-2010-3428 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Intermesh Group-Office 3.5.9 web application platform. This vulnerability specifically targets the modules/notes/json.php file which serves as an api endpoint for handling note category operations. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input passed through the category_id parameter during category actions, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which defines sql injection as the insertion of malicious sql code into input fields for execution by the database engine. This particular implementation demonstrates a classic case of insufficient input validation where user supplied data directly influences sql query construction without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exfiltration to encompass full database compromise and potential system infiltration. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database, potentially gaining access to sensitive user credentials, personal information, and business data stored within the Group-Office environment. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication or privileged access, making it highly attractive to threat actors seeking unauthorized system access. The vulnerability affects the entire Group-Office 3.5.9 release and potentially impacts organizations relying on this collaboration platform for managing sensitive corporate data, email communications, and calendar information. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1071.004 - Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as attackers may use the compromised system to establish command and control channels or exfiltrate data through legitimate network protocols.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3428 require immediate attention through multiple defensive layers. Organizations should implement input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks by ensuring all user input is properly escaped or parameterized before database execution. The recommended fix involves modifying the json.php file to use prepared statements or stored procedures instead of dynamic sql construction. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and network segmentation can limit the blast radius of potential exploitation. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual sql query patterns and unauthorized database access attempts. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls and input sanitization mechanisms to provide additional protection layers. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and regular security assessments, particularly for applications handling sensitive data through web interfaces. According to industry best practices, this type of vulnerability should be addressed through comprehensive code review processes and adherence to secure development lifecycle principles. Organizations using Group-Office 3.5.9 should urgently upgrade to patched versions or implement compensating controls while planning a full system migration to prevent potential exploitation by threat actors who may already be targeting this specific vulnerability in the wild.