CVE-2010-4357 in SiteEngine
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in comments.php in SiteEngine 7.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the module parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4357 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the SiteEngine 7.1 content management system, specifically affecting the comments.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the module parameter, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized database operations. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and proper parameter sanitization that has been documented in numerous security frameworks including the CWE database under category 89 for sql injection vulnerabilities. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any internet-facing system running the vulnerable version of SiteEngine.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of the module parameter within the comments.php script, where user input is directly concatenated into sql query strings without adequate sanitization or parameterization. This primitive approach to database interaction creates an environment where attackers can manipulate the sql command structure by injecting malicious sql code through the module parameter. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploit public-facing application, as it targets a web application interface that is accessible from external networks. When an attacker crafts a malicious payload and submits it through the module parameter, the application processes this input directly within the sql context, potentially allowing full database access, data exfiltration, or even system compromise through database-level commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the SiteEngine database. Attackers could potentially extract user credentials, personal information, or business-critical data depending on the database schema and access permissions. The remote nature of the attack means that systems can be compromised from anywhere on the internet, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations that do not maintain proper network segmentation or intrusion detection measures. This vulnerability also demonstrates poor secure coding practices that violate fundamental security principles outlined in OWASP Top Ten and the CWE guidelines for preventing sql injection attacks. Organizations running SiteEngine 7.1 are at significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences if this vulnerability is exploited.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4357 should prioritize immediate patching of the SiteEngine application to the latest version that addresses this specific sql injection flaw. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout their applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of regular security assessments and the need for comprehensive application security testing including dynamic and static analysis. Organizations should also consider implementing database access controls and monitoring to detect unauthorized sql command execution attempts. Security teams must ensure that all applications undergo proper security code reviews and that developers are trained in secure coding practices to prevent the recurrence of such fundamental flaws in future software development cycles.