CVE-2010-3481 in PHP MicroCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in login.php in ApPHP PHP MicroCMS 1.0.1, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) user_name and (2) password variables, possibly related to include/classes/Login.php. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information. NOTE: the password vector might not be vulnerable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3481 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the ApPHP PHP MicroCMS 1.0.1 web application. This security weakness specifically targets the login.php script and exploits a fundamental misconfiguration in the application's input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability manifests when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, which removes the automatic escaping of special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data. This configuration oversight creates an exploitable condition where malicious actors can inject arbitrary SQL commands directly through user input fields.
The technical flaw resides in the improper handling of user authentication parameters, specifically the user_name and password variables within the login process. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, these input fields become susceptible to SQL injection attacks because the application fails to implement proper input sanitization or parameterized queries. The attack vector leverages the include/classes/Login.php file which processes authentication requests, making it a prime target for exploitation. The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the SQL query structure by injecting malicious SQL code through the login form fields, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the database or executing administrative commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can lead to complete database compromise and potential system takeover. Attackers can exploit this flaw to extract sensitive user credentials, modify or delete database records, and potentially escalate privileges within the application. The vulnerability affects the core authentication mechanism, making it particularly dangerous as it undermines the fundamental security posture of the web application. Given that this vulnerability exists in a content management system, successful exploitation could result in unauthorized content modification, data theft, and potential service disruption for legitimate users.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as aligning with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications. The attack pattern conforms to the techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 technique for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. Mitigation strategies must include immediate implementation of parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection, proper input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied data, and ensuring that magic_quotes_gpc is properly configured or that alternative protection mechanisms are in place. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls, regular security code reviews, and maintaining up-to-date application patches to address similar vulnerabilities in the future. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper input validation and the dangers of relying on server configuration settings for security protection.