CVE-2010-4784 in Easy Banner Free
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in member.php in PHP Web Scripts Easy Banner Free 2009.05.18, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) username and (2) password parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4784 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Easy Banner Free 2009.05.18 web application developed by PHP Web Scripts. This vulnerability specifically targets the member.php script, which serves as the authentication interface for user login functionality. The flaw emerges when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to manipulate database queries through carefully crafted input parameters. The vulnerability affects two distinct input vectors: the username field and the password field, both of which are processed without adequate sanitization or parameterization, making them susceptible to injection attacks that can bypass authentication mechanisms and potentially lead to complete database compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the username and password parameters within the member.php script. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, PHP does not automatically escape special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data, leaving the application vulnerable to SQL injection attacks. Attackers can craft malicious input strings that, when processed by the vulnerable application, alter the intended SQL query structure. For instance, an attacker might submit a username containing SQL payload such as 'admin' OR '1'='1' -- which, when concatenated into the database query, would bypass authentication by making the WHERE clause always evaluate to true. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89, which defines SQL injection as the improper handling of database queries, where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The weakness exists at the application layer where user input is directly interpolated into database queries rather than being properly parameterized.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4784 extends beyond simple authentication bypass, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive user information. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract user credentials, personal data, and potentially escalate privileges within the application. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it affects the core authentication mechanism, meaning that any attacker who can access the member.php script can potentially gain unauthorized access to the system. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of SQL injection to gain access to sensitive information and databases. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the vulnerability affects a widely used banner management system, and the exploitation requires minimal skill level, making it attractive to both novice and experienced attackers. Organizations running this version of the software face significant risk of data breaches, credential theft, and potential system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4784 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to a patched version of the Easy Banner Free software, as the vendor has likely released security updates addressing this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application codebase, particularly in the member.php script where the vulnerability occurs. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block SQL injection attempts, and ensure that magic_quotes_gpc is properly configured or that proper input sanitization is implemented regardless of this setting. The solution should incorporate defensive programming practices such as using prepared statements with parameterized queries, implementing proper input validation and sanitization, and following the principle of least privilege when configuring database access. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual authentication patterns and potential exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components that might be susceptible to SQL injection attacks.