CVE-2010-4298 in Free Simple Software
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the download module in Free Simple Software 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the downloads_id parameter in a download_now action to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2025
The CVE-2010-4298 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the download module of Free Simple Software version 1.0, a web-based content management system designed for simple software distribution. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php script which processes download requests through the download_now action, creating a direct pathway for malicious actors to exploit the application's database interaction mechanisms. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, particularly the downloads_id parameter that is processed without proper security measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or validate the downloads_id parameter before incorporating it into sql query constructs. When an attacker submits a malicious value through this parameter, the application directly concatenates the input into database queries without appropriate sanitization, allowing the injection of arbitrary sql commands. This design flaw aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes sql injection vulnerabilities as weaknesses that occur when application code incorporates untrusted data into sql commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically within the data access components that handle user requests for software downloads, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through standard web browser interactions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it grants remote attackers complete control over the underlying database system. An attacker could potentially extract sensitive information including user credentials, database schema details, and application configuration data. More severely, the vulnerability enables unauthorized modification of database content, deletion of critical records, and in some cases, complete database compromise. This represents a significant threat to the integrity and confidentiality of the affected system, as the attacker could manipulate the software distribution platform to serve malicious content or disrupt legitimate download operations. The vulnerability affects the availability of the service by potentially rendering the database inaccessible or corrupting critical download records that prevent legitimate users from accessing software.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization techniques that filter or escape special characters in user-supplied data before database processing occurs. The most effective remediation involves transitioning to parameterized queries or prepared statements that separate sql command structure from data values, ensuring that user input cannot alter the intended sql execution path. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and database permissions can limit the damage from successful exploitation attempts. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper sql query construction practices as outlined in the owasp top ten and mitre attack framework, where sql injection remains one of the most prevalent and dangerous attack vectors in web applications. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components and ensure comprehensive protection against sql injection threats.