CVE-2010-4906 in ZenPhoto
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in zp-core/full-image.php in Zenphoto 1.3 and 1.3.1.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the a parameter. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4906 represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in the Zenphoto content management system version 1.3 and 1.3.1.2. This security weakness resides within the full-image.php file in the zp-core directory structure, making it a core component of the application's functionality that handles image display operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the parameter named 'a' which is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors.
This SQL injection vulnerability operates through the manipulation of the 'a' parameter in the full-image.php script, allowing remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands directly into the database query execution process. The flaw stems from insufficient parameter validation and improper input handling, where user-supplied data flows directly into database queries without proper escaping or sanitization mechanisms. According to CWE-89, this represents a classic SQL injection vulnerability where attacker-controlled input is concatenated into SQL commands, enabling unauthorized database access and potential command execution. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the use of SQL injection to gain unauthorized access to database systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as remote attackers can execute arbitrary SQL commands on the affected system. This capability enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including but not limited to data extraction, modification, or deletion of database records, privilege escalation, and potentially full system compromise. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local system access or authentication credentials to leverage the flaw, significantly increasing the attack surface and potential damage. Database administrators and system operators face the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the Zenphoto system, including user credentials, content management data, and potentially system configuration details.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4906 require immediate action to address the underlying SQL injection vulnerability. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameter sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly the 'a' parameter in this context. Database query structures should be updated to utilize prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL command structure from data input, preventing malicious code injection. System administrators should also implement proper access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, the affected Zenphoto versions should be upgraded to patched releases that address this vulnerability, as the original versions are no longer supported and likely contain additional unpatched security flaws. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their web applications, as SQL injection remains one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security threats.