CVE-2010-4143 in phpCheckZ
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in chart.php in phpCheckZ 1.1.0, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4143 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the phpCheckZ monitoring tool version 1.1.0. This vulnerability specifically affects the chart.php component and exploits a fundamental weakness in input validation mechanisms. The flaw becomes particularly dangerous 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 setting was historically used as a basic defense mechanism against sql injection attacks, and its absence creates a direct pathway for malicious exploitation. The vulnerability is triggered through the id parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or parameterization, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql code that gets executed within the application's database context.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic sql injection attack pattern where an attacker manipulates the id parameter to inject sql commands that bypass normal input validation. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, the application fails to properly escape special characters in user input, enabling attackers to inject sql syntax that can manipulate database queries. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers can execute arbitrary sql commands, potentially leading to complete database compromise, data manipulation, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and in severe cases, full system compromise. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 which defines sql injection as the insertion of malicious sql code into input fields for execution by the database, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability in a production environment can be devastating, particularly for organizations relying on phpCheckZ for system monitoring and alerting. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive monitoring data, modify system configurations, or even escalate privileges within the monitored environment. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the monitoring system, potentially allowing adversaries to hide their activities or manipulate alerts to avoid detection. Organizations using phpCheckZ without proper input validation measures face significant risk of unauthorized access to their monitoring infrastructure, which could compromise the entire security posture of their network monitoring capabilities. The vulnerability also demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and parameterized queries in web applications, as the absence of these security measures creates a direct attack surface for sql injection exploitation. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input sanitization, enabling magic_quotes_gpc if possible, or implementing robust parameterized queries and prepared statements to prevent sql injection attacks.